A CHEERLEADING team from Salisbury hosted their showcase event at Sarum Academy in front of 300 people.

Phoenix Stars performed a variety of routines ahead of their upcoming competition in Guildford.

The special guest was Ryan Cleaver, who is the co-founder and director of Coventry Dynamite and athlete with Cheer Athletics Wildcats in the USA.

Phoenix Stars team manager Jane Usher said: “We were so pleased that all our athletes’ relatives and friends could join us on Sunday.

"The support we receive from them is what makes us successful as a club.

"We really do feel like one big family and having Ryan there was the icing on the cake."

One of the highlights of the afternoon was a performance by a group of parents, brothers and partners who surprised cheerleaders with an impromptu cheerleading routine which they had been rehearsing for six weeks.

Head Coach, Elly Humphries, said: “Many people think cheerleading is about pom poms but competitive cheer requires both mental and physical strength as the routines are very complicated. It also teaches great life skills including team spirit, discipline and self-confidence.”

Try outs for Phoenix Stars take place the week commencing Monday, June 27.

Contact phoenixstars@live.co.uk for more information.