A STRUGGLING majorette group has launched a desperate appeal for sponsorship to keep the club alive.

Members of Great Harwood Carltonaires are about to celebrate their first anniversary - but the troupe's funds are running out.

Around 50 girls, aged five to 13, are training as majorettes and more are waiting to start.

Treasurer Dawn Dunn has been seeking donations from shops and sports firms for uniforms and batons.

The group also need a generator for their PA system so they can perform at events such as next month's Famous Accrington Carnival.

Dawn has written more than 60 letters asking people for help, but has only had a handful of replies, a signed Blackburn Rovers shirt to raffle and a couple of backpacks from a sports chain.

Dawn, who lives in Great Harwood, said: "The girls train twice a week and they love it.

"More girls want to join, but we haven't got enough people to give them enough attention.

"We've had to pay for new uniforms and batons through our own fund-raising, but there's only so much you can do.

"One pet shop in Darwen has agreed to sponsor us, but we need more help because we're struggling."

Anyone interested in helping the Carltonaires can call Dawn on weekdays after 3.30pm on 01254 883507.

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