A CHEERLEADING club has won a £9,470 grant from an organisation representing community groups.

Members of Wear Valley Cheerleaders celebrated with their families at a presentation ceremony at Bishop Barrington School, in Bishop Auckland.

More than 160 youngsters have joined the group which has squads competing in national competitions.

The grant, from the Community Network and Local Network Funds, was administered by County Durham Foundation.

Nigel Douthwaite, sports club development officer with the Wear Valley Community Services Team, helped establish the group after coach Chele Connell contacted volunteer agency 2D. He said: "We developed the club in November 2003 and it has made amazing progress since."

Eddie Tomlinson, the network's deputy chairman, said: "We need to find ways to engage young people in physical activity and cheerleading is an up and coming means of doing this."

Anyone interested in cheerleading can contact Nigel Douthwaite on (01388) 765555 ext 403.