IT’S CHEER we go again for a team of Rossendale dancers, who are celebrating after lifting the national title for the fourth year in a row.

Students from Alder Grange Community High, in Rawtenstall, faced competition from 109 rival teams at the National Schools Cheerleading Championships in Manchester.

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And when the judging panel made their decision, the AG Wildcats were crowned top pussycats in the KS3 Level Two category.

Coach Lisa Archer said: “We’re thrilled to have retained the title of National Schools champions.

“All our teams have worked extremely hard to put together great performances and we’re delighted with the results.”

The impressive achievement is another feather in the cap for Alder Grange, who have also won the Rossendale Schools Cheerleading Championships for the last 14 years.

The 2015 squad was made up of 73 pupils, who raised money for their entry fees, bus hire and outfits through raffles and cake sales.

They competed in different categories and key stage groups, with each team completing a two-and-a-half minute routine in front of the judges.

Alder Grange’s Jazz Cats came second in the KS4 Pom dance and the Thunder Cats were fourth and sixth in the KS3 street cheer.

Meanwhile the Cub Cats finished fourth in KS3 Level One category.

Year 10 students Sarah Crowder and Sien Ritson, plus sixth formers Emma Pickup and Shannon Duffy, helped put the cheerleaders through their paces in preparation for the competition.

A-level student Bronte Hampton, who choreographed the Wildcats’ routine, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Alder Grange Cats for the past three years and I am thrilled with the results.

“I am saddened to say that this was by last competition with the squad as I will be going to university in September.”

Alder Grange is looking for sponsors for their cheerleading team.

Anyone who can help should contact the school on 01706 223171.