CHEERLEADING troup The Hi-Flyers, who help spur on Blackburn Hawks Ice Hockey team, are looking for new blood -- both male and female -- to ensure they can compete in next month's UK, European and World Championships. RICHARD NEWTON limbered up and raised a pom-pom with the team to see what the sport has to offer...

CHEERLEADING conjures up images of glamorous girls performing glitzy routines on the side-lines of American Football matches.

But beneath this razzmatazz lies a sporting discipline full of high-energy moves and world championships.

Although cheerleading, like synchronised swimming, has struggled in the past to be accepted as a proper sport, it has exploded -- with hundreds of teams popping up across the country.

And -- as this out-of-shape reporter discovered when he practised with the Hi-Flyers, in Blackburn Ice Arena -- its sporting credentials are more than solid.

The average practice session for the Hi-Flyers involves two hours of one of the most strenuous workouts invented.

After warming up, the team practice dance routines and moves involving pom-poms and stunts, till they drop.

These range from the not-so-simple cartwheels and handstands, to the sinew-stretching Pyramid Formations and Basket Tosses.

These more spectacular stunts unfortunately need teams of a large size and the odd male recruit to provide some much-needed strength.

These are qualities the Hi-Flyers sadly lack.

Because, after a number of girls recently left, the group's membership has become so low that they may not be able to compete in next month's UK, European and World Championships if they do not attract some new blood.

Sarah Williams, 19, team leader and coach, said: "We have to get more people in, it's as simple as that.

"If we don't, we won't get insurance cover and we won't be able to compete in the championships that are all held on March 16 in Manchester's Velodrome.

"We don't want to even think about not being allowed to enter.

"I think I would cry if we couldn't.

"We're quite a small group now and we only have ten girls. It would be really good if we managed to get some boys to join the group."

The prospects for any cheerleading wannabes, whether male or female, are great.

The upcoming World championships will see the team pit their acrobatic and dancing skills against teams from numerous countries including China, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

There is also the chance for their performance to be beamed across the world on television.

Kay Armstrong, eight, of Clitheroe, in the Ribble Valley, is the youngest member of the group.

Her step-dad Colin Downie is the goalkeeper for the Hawks.

She said: "I started three months ago and I turn up all the time.

"I used to be a dancer, but I really love this.

"I just hope we can compete in the championships."

Amy MacEwan, 13, of Newton, near Clitheroe, said: "I love it too, I've just been doing it for a year and I think it's great.

"It's not just about dancing and routines, it's a really good workout and uses aspects of gymnastics and aerobics. It keeps you fit and strong."

The ten-strong team is looking for members aged from eight to 16 and over.

They practice at Blackburn Arena every Wednesday and Friday from 6pm and 8pm, and dance for the Hawks on Sundays from 4pm to 8pm.

The team has also organised a number of courses at Roefield Leisure Centre, in Clitheroe, which provide a stepping-stone into the world of cheerleading.

Sarah, the team's coach, is an accredited coach with the UK Cheerleading Association.

She has also passed a coaching course run by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

This encompasses first aid and child protection.

Anyone wanting more information about joining the Hi-Flyers can call Sarah on 07763 746300.