A cheerleading team from an academy in Cockermouth has made it into an international competition.

Osprey Cheerleading Academy will be taking one of their junior teams to compete in a summit in Florida next April.

This is after they won a bid to compete after entering a virtual competition.

Olivia Leanord, The Head Coach and Academy Director, said: "It's a massive achievement considering we come from such a small area.

"All of the athletes are local girls."

Sixteen cheerleaders will be going over to the summit along with their parents.

They have a routine planned which involves a mix of tumbling, stunting, jumps and dance which is all choreographed into a two and a half minute routine.

It is a major event in the cheerleading world with teams from all over the globe competing.

The nearest teams to compete in the tournament will be from Glasgow and Manchester although other teams from across the UK will be involved.

The Academy is very popular amongst youngsters as they have around 140 kids that attend, ranging from ages 1-17.

Miss Leanord said: "We've won national competitions before and we are going into our seventh season but this will be our first chance to compete internationally.

"I'm very proud of everyone that's involved they deserve the opportunity.

Nine of the athletes on the team are also junior coaches for younger teams within the academy.

They've been learning the routine since spring break but two of the dancers had to be swapped due to coronavirus.

The Academy is currently looking for any sponsors from people and local businesses who can help them to get to Florida.

They will be competing in the international level 1 division and there are four different levels in the summit.