WHO said accountants are boring? Danielle Oddie is certainly doing her best to dispel the myth.

Danielle, 18, is a new recruit at PM&M Chartered Accountants, which has offices in Blackburn, Clitheroe, Burnley and Nelson.

But when she isn't working on her three year accountancy training course, based at the firm's Blackburn office on East Park Road, Danielle is both member and coach for the Blackburn Panthers cheerleading team.

The Beardwood teenager has spent six years as part of the team, and has travelled the globe as part of the Team UK cheerleading squad.

At last year's world championships in Japan she picked up the Best Cheerleading Spirit Award.

She said: "I left school with A-Levels in English, Design and RE but didn't really know what I wanted to do," said Danielle. "Then I went to see a careers adviser who gave me a few possible options, and accountancy really stood out as something I thought I would enjoy.

"I am still new to the industry but I know already that I have definitely made the right choice.

"It would be great to see cheerleading become more popular. We have a very reputable team and it is very enjoyable - I have lots of fun with it and it certainly isn't boring!"

Danielle has been a cheerleader since starting out in her high school team at St Wilfrid's High School, Blackburn.

Cheerleading is a growing sport in the UK, with 11,000 members in the UK Cheerleading Association, which recently became affiliated with the established UK Gymnastics Association.

As a trainee accountant Danielle will be assessed on her performance in the workplace, as well as examinations throughout the different stages.

Stephen Anderson, managing partner at PM&M, said: "Danielle is very enthusiastic about her work and her cheerleading. It shows commitment that she can balance the two and experience success in both."