A CHEERLEADING group that is going from strength to strength took a host of prizes from their biggest competition yet.

Fuzion Dance and Cheer Academy started by running dance classes 16 years ago.

With interest in cheerleading across Herefordshire classes started in Hereford three years ago and then Leominster last year.

Teams train in Hereford on Mondays and in Leominster on Saturdays.

Taking part in the ICC Wales, a regional competition in Newport, the Fuzion Elite AllStars came away with a host of prizes.

The youngest teams (LunaKatz and CheetahGirlz) aged between five and eight walked away with second and third places.

Whilst the international juniors aged 10 to 16 won first place and division champions.

Meanwhile their senior 4.2 team placed second.

Director and owner of Fuzion Dance and Cheer Academy Emma Paton was proud of the results.

"The ICC Wales was our biggest competition to date," said Paton.

"We started off with small competitions but have now moved onto main stream competitions.

"Every team walked away with amazing results and a buzzing start to the season.

"The hard work started back in September; building new skills and getting to grips with new levels.

"The 4.2 team has been with me for the last eight years so it has been a long process to get them there.

"We keep the same routine for the whole season and add more difficulty as we go along by taking the judges comments on board and applying them.

"We do our very best and have fun while doing it."

Paton says that the sport is open to everybody with members ranging in age from three to 23.

"The sport has nothing to do with pompoms and we are always pushing the skills, building and progressing," added Paton

"We have fun and put safety first although the sport is dangerous and does give you an adrenaline rush.

"The aim is not always to win but take part and the competitions are seen as a moment to shine.

"There is a sisterhood between our members and we have a couple of boys as well.

"It really isn't just for girls and the boys bring a different range of skills.

"We are always looking for new members and have a place for everybody.

"My job as a coach is to teach those skills and everybody has a place in all of our teams.

"We coach from three years olds to adults and it's a different way to get girls to exercise.

"It also keeps them quiet believe it or not as there is no time for chatting as it's full on and a good way to get boys and girls.

"Our youngest team is for three to five year olds who compete in baby competitions.

"Everybody is welcome to come along."

The team are looking for new members in Hereford and have re-opened their team placements.

An open session is taking place on Monday, March 2, at Brookfield School on Grandstand Road.

Times are between 4.30pm and 5.45pm for four to eight years and 6pm to 8.30pm for over nines.

The cost is £5. For more details about Fuzion Cheerleading contact 07921331764.