YOUNGSTERS from Crewe's Matrix Cheer Squad have returned from Europe's biggest cheerleading competition with their sights set on competing in America.

The 30-strong squad, who competed at the annual international competition after receiving a £5,000 Lottery grant, took second place in the senior novice division.

They are now hoping to raise the £15,000 needed to fly them over to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina next March to compete alongside the highly-skilled American squads at the CANAM Cheer 2007 competition.

Coach Leanne Palin explained: 'The girls are absolutely thrilled to now have a British runners-up title just one year after becoming established.

'The competition was out of this world with cheerleading teams from all over the UK. For most of our squad it was the first time they had competed, and for our littlest cheerleaders, to perform in front of a 10,000-seat audience at Nottingham Arena was an experience they will never forget.

'We came home with second place in Cheerleading and a fourth, a fifth and sixth place in all our dance entries which is a massive achievement.

'Winning the chance to compete in America was the icing on the cake. I would love to be able to raise funds to get them there.

'We were so lucky to get a grant from the Lottery's Awards for All scheme. It gave us such an opportunity. Now we have the chance to go even further I would like to appeal to anyone who would like to support a community team, to contact me.'