TIME is running out for a city cheerleading group preparing to enter its first ever competition.

Chester City Cheerleaders - also known as Chester Angels - have paid their registration fee to enter the competition at Manchester's Velodrome on Sunday, April 29.

But now they are frantically raising money for costumes.

Coach Hannah Goulding said: 'The girls have to wear regulation costumes for the competition which cost about £100 each including the poms.

'We are entering two sections, one with tradition cheerleading including trick stunts and another which emphasises the dance aspect. This means each girl needs two costumes.'

The team of more than 30 cheerleaders meets every week at Lache Community Centre. There are two groups, aged from six to 18. They cheer for Chester City Football Club and Chester Jets basketball team.

Hannah is really pleased at the impact the group has had on the youngsters' lives.

'The girls are really committed and I rarely have anybody missing a session. It is an important part of the girls' lives as it is a positive team building sport.

'We've been bag-packing like mad to raise money for this competition. We were at Asda just before Christmas, then at Sainsbury's a month ago and then Morrisons came to our aid, offering us a whole weekend of bagpacking which raised a lot of money.'

Hannah says that, whatever happens, the two teams will get to the competition somehow but she is keen to raise more funds for the success of the club.

Hannah is a level 4 coach and her first job was as a professional cheerleader for Manchester Giants.

She was also a professional dancer and choreographer and sang with girl group Baby Strange which supported big names like West-life, Girls Aloud and Liberty X.

* Local businesses interested in supporting Chester City Cheerleaders can contact Hannah on 07740 196 684 or e-mail hannah@spikesmanagement.co.uk

jo.henwood@cheshirenews.co.uk