YOUNG people competing in a marathon sports day in Thirsk this weekend will get the full backing of American-style cheerleaders.

A group with pom-poms and an endless supply of enthusiasm will urge on competitors in the sponsored event tomorrow.

And team members got in some practice as they took a break from studies at Northallerton College this week.

From an 11am start, there will be eight hours of sporting events such as rounders, football, egg and spoon race, three-legged race and a sack race. The event, which is at Thirsk School, is being organised by the Hambleton Millennium Volunteers.

All entrants will collect sponsorship and the money will go to Kids Get Going, a national charity which gives disabled youngsters a chance to get involved in sport.

"To give the competitors an added incentive and make sure they feel appreciated, we have recruited a group of US-style cheerleaders," said Keeley Metcalfe, project fieldworker for the Millennium Volunteers.