MAJORETTE troupes looking forward to taking part in a colourful parade have been given their marching orders after a row between the organisers of rival troupes.

Groups of baton-twirling youngsters have been axed from the Blackburn Lions Gala after Zoe Magill and Marie Livesey, of Blackburn's New Century Stars troupe, complained they had been told they were not allowed to join the parade.

They said their dancers, who have been practising their routine for seven months, were devastated when they heard they could not take part.

Organiser of Blackburn's Lancashire Red Rose Majorettes, Brigid Oliphant, who was to coordinate the majorette competition and display at the event, said there were no places left.

But Zoe, 22, from Railton Avenue, Blackburn, said it was the result of a long-standing feud.

She said: "We have more than 40 girls who were all really looking forward to the carnival and although we are not ready to compete in a competition, we have been very busy rehearsing for the parade."

Zoe and Marie, 25, from nearby Hurstwood Avenue, contacted the Blackburn Lions and were told to get in touch with Mrs Oliphant. Zoe went on: "Both our mums used to run a dance troupe and there was always a lot of competition and rivalry with the group run by Mrs Oliphant.

"Some of her old girls have joined our troupe too and when she heard who we were she said we couldn't take part.

"It seems really unfair that we were not even allowed to appear in our own carnival in our own town. There are groups coming from all over the place and yet they wouldn't let us join the parade."

Mrs Oliphant said she would organise the competition somewhere else.

She said: "We wish the New Century Stars every success this season but, unfortunately, competition entries have been accepted and arrangements finalised. We're sorry if this has caused upset."

Les Browning, the chairman of the Blackburn Lions Carnival, said: "I have no intention of getting involved in any politics or rows and the only thing I am interested in is ensuring that the carnival runs as smoothly as possible, so we have decided to axe majorettes from the day."

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