A tiny but tough cheerleading squad has brought home a vast collection of trophies after a year of successes.

The Chippenham Vibes, part of the Emily Alner Academy of Dance, compete regularly against squads from across the country.

The squad, made up of males and females aged from four to adults, have won 72 trophies at the British Cheerleading Association National and International competitions.

As recently as November, the team took many of the top prizes at the British Cheerleading Association Southern Classics in Eastbourne.

Squad member Michelle Hawkes said: “We took part in 22 routines in cheer, stunt, jazz, pom and non-tumbling routines over two days, coming home with 19 trophies – quite an achievement for a small market town squad!”

The Vibes have been sponsored by the Tim Waycott Trust, which is dedicated to the development of sport in Chippenham.

“It’s really important for us, as it recognises us as a sport,” said Mrs Hawkes.

“It sometimes takes people a while to discover we’re not jumping around waving pom-poms – it’s tough and athletic. Cheerleading isn’t represented in the Olympics, and people can think it isn’t a sport. It has been a difficult year for us in some respects. We have 50 people in the school altogether and around 20 in the squad, so we are very small. It hasn’t affected our performance, and that has been reflected in the results we’ve achieved in the competitions.

“It would be fantastic if anyone wanted to have a go and join the squad in the new year. All new members would be very welcome.”

Anyone interested in joining the squad should contact coach Emily Alner on 07887 845151 or email Emily at dancingpink@hotmail.co.uk