THE eyes of the world will be on the pom poms of Burnley Football Club's cheerleaders when they perform at the opening ceremony of the Cheerleading World Championships.

More than 100 girls from the Bees Knees will join two other UK cheerleading teams to open the show at the MEN Arena in Manchester on Sunday.

They will perform in front of a potential 26,000-strong crowd, including some of the world's best cheerleaders.

Head coach Michelle Williamson said: "They have rehearsed and rehearsed. I think if we play them the music they are performing to after Sunday they will throw it back at us! They have had to practice the same one over and over again.

"It is called the Pom Dance and is a mix of different music that cuts from one tune the next and it's quite fast. I think they have all got it now."

The Bees Knees formed about two years ago when Michelle started working at Turf Moor leisure centre's dance studio.

Since then the group has gone from strength to strength with more and more girls catching the cheerleading bug.

The Bees Knees perform routines and cheers at every home game and are hoping to start taking part in competitions themselves in the future. Michelle, 35, said: "We want to compete in the UK championships, which are being held in May next year. That is our aim once Sunday is over.

"It will be great experience for them to see some of the really top quality cheerleading teams from all over the world who are taking part on Sunday.

"I think the younger girls in particular will be amazed to see some of the lifts and tumbles that will be performed."