A GROUP of cheerleaders are to fulfil their dream of performing in front of a packed crowd at Darlington Football Club.

The Shamrocks, from Barnard Castle, County Durham, have been invited by chairman George Reynolds to perform in front of Quaker fans before a match.

The teenagers have raised hundreds of pounds for charity since they formed in June last year, through shows at carnivals and at retirement homes in Teesdale.

The group of nine youngsters, who attend Teesdale Comprehensive School, in Barnard Castle, have paid for their own costumes and choreographed all their dance routines.

Founder member Emily Holmes said: "We decided to start the group after watching a video called Bring It On, which is all about cheerleaders in America.

"The group has grown from there and we perform at all sorts of events, and all the money we raise goes to charity.

"All we want to do is put a bit of happiness into the lives of people who aren't as fortunate as us."

The group rehearses at Dunelm Court, in Barnard Castle, several times a week, and parents Jackie Holmes and Val McGarr provide the transport and help with organising events.

Yesterday, Mr Reynolds praised the Shamrocks for their hard work and said they would be welcome to perform before a match.

He said: "We'd love the Shamrocks to perform before a Darlington match in the near future and I look forward to meeting the group, they sound like a talented group of girls, and most importantly, it's all for a good cause."

To find out more about the Shamrocks, contact Mrs Holmes on (01833) 690088, or by e-mail at emilyholmes0 also ordered t