A CHEERLEADING squad are perfecting their moves ahead of a chance in a lifetime to perform in the main parade at Disneyland Paris.

Lazer Cheer Academy, based at Colburn Leisure Centre, North Yorkshire, is still on a high after scooping a collection of trophies at a recent regional competition in Newcastle, coming home with two gold medals, three silver and three bronze.

Michelle Nicholson, owner of Lazer Cheer Academy, said all 150 members of the club were delighted to have done so well at the Newcastle competition – and a smaller group are now preparing for the competition and parade in Paris next month.

She said: “We were thrilled to do so well at the competition in Newcastle, run by Legacy Cheer and Dance, because it was the first competition of our season and we normally get better with the routines as the season progresses.

“We came top three in all eight categories – I really didn’t expect is to do so well. It’s set us in good stead for Paris.”

Ms Nicholson said it was the first time she was taking a squad to Disneyland Paris – but it is not the first time members of Lazer Cheer Academy have competed at the home of Mickey Mouse.

She said: “A couple of years ago a group of us went to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, for a competition.

“It was an amazing experience even though some teams were a bit out of our league. We got to see some fantastic cheerleading from a different level.”

Ms Nicholson said she applied to be part of the competition and parade by sending in a video of Lazer Cheerleaders doing one of their routines, which lead to them being invited to perform a special Disneyland Paris routine which gained them a place in the parade.

She added: “Everyone is really excited about going to Paris but it will be an intense weekend. We have two squads going – nine to 14 year-olds and over 14s, including some from our mum team so the oldest member is 45.

“We arrive on Friday, March 18, and then on Saturday we are straight into the competition. It is a fun competition so it won’t lead to anything else but hopefully we will pick up some trophies or medals.

“Then on the Sunday – the bit we are most excited about – is the Disney Parade. We have been perfecting the routine Disney sent us to learn. It is simple but we don’t want to put a foot wrong.”

To find out more about Lazer Cheer Academy contact 07708-962939, michelle@lazercheer.co.uk, www.lazercheer.co.uk, or find them on Facebook.