CHEERLEADERS from the region are jumping for joy after springing their way to success at a national contest.

Catterick Garrison and Darlington-based cheerleading programme Lazer Cheer Academy took home an impressive 11 trophies after wowing the judges at the British Cheerleading Association’s Super Classic 2017 competition in Newcastle.

The teams, who train at Colburn Leisure Centre and the Kings Centre in Darlington, travelled to the Metro Radio Arena where they performed in front of thousands of spectators and some of the world’s top cheerleading judges.

In addition to taking home top honours in two divisions – Tiny Stunt Group Level 1 and Open Cheer Level 1 – the Lazer cheerleaders also left with four second place trophies and five third place trophies.

This made them one of the most successful teams of the competition.

Head coach, Michelle Robbins, said: ”I am so proud of how everyone represented themselves and Lazer Cheer Academy.

“Everyone went onto the floor and performed their best. The results were unexpected and fantastic – we couldn’t have been happier.”

The annual event attracted more than 2,500 athletes from around the UK and Europe and is one of the most prestigious cheerleading competitions in the country.

British Cheerleading Director, Travis Prior, said: “The standard of cheerleading in the UK is improving year upon year and I am continually impressed with the performances we see. For Lazer Cheerleading Academy to walk away with 11 trophies to their name is testament to how hard they have been training this season.”