A group of cheerleaders from East Lancs have been selected to represent the UK at an international competition.

The International Federation of Cheerleaders World Championships is being held in Takasaki, Japan in November, and 16 athletes from Clarets Cheer and Dance in Burnley will be flying to the Far East to take part.

Head Coach of the Clarets, Sophie Boyle, who has been chosen as a Team UK coach, said: "There's 12 juniors aged 12 to 15, and four seniors aged 16 and over competing on the national team."

In the build up to the competition they will gather with girls from all over the UK, for once a month training sessions.

And as well as coaching the cheerleading, Miss Boyle been asked to coach and choreograph the first ever Street Dance Urban team at the World Championships as well.

Miss Boyle said: "I'm thrilled to be asked to be a coach for the Team UK Worlds team and I'm very proud of them all for making the team.

"It's so lovely to see all the hours and years of hard work and training being rewarded and it's amazing to know that Clarets Cheer and Dance are producing such talented athletes. Not many people can say they travelled to Japan to compete in something they love."