BURNLEY cheerleader Suzanne Waterworth has been crowned Coach of the Year at a national event in Manchester.

Suzanne, who organises the award-winning Bees Knees' troupe which performs at Turf Moor on match days, won the award at the UK National Cheerleading Association Championships for her community work.

And the Bees Knees also wowed the judges at the Manchester Velodrome last weekend, winning four second places after Suzanne entered her girls into a higher class after sweeping the board at a lower level last year.

Suzanne, 20, said: "It was a bit of a surprise to be named coach of the year.

"I'd like to think it's a reward for the levels we strive for, the positive attitudes we teach and the rewards we have earned.

"I would also like to thank my fellow coaches Amanda Fildes, Catherine Drain, Lulu Rodriguez, Helen Sessions, Charlotte De Curtis and Sarah Porter for all their hard work."

The two-day event, involving more than 2,600 cheerleaders, saw the Bees Knees come close to snatching first place in four categories.

The Teenies' came second in the Community Pom Dance, while the Junior A troupe also finished runners-up in the same category.

In the second day of competition, the Junior A and B Pom Dance troupes both finished in second place, while the Senior Pom Dancers came fifth. Amy Banks earned eighth in the solo category.

Suzanne said: "We are delighted. Four second places are fantastic considering how many teams entered."