A PIONEERING group of 20 girls from a Chorley high school have said a big thank you to supporters as they prepare for a tilt at a world title in the States.

The cheerleaders from St Michael's High are currently trying to raise £12,000 to get to the World Cheerleading Championships.

And they were jumping for joy after receiving £200 from the Royal Bank of Scotland and £100 from Abbey National.

The girls took second place at the European Classic Championships in Dundee at Easter, entitling them to compete at the World Championships in Nashville in December.

They are the first school cheerleading group ever to have the opportunity to represent Britain in America and will be the only squad from Britain at the competition.

To raise cash, they sent out more than 100 letters to local businesses and stores asking for financial support.

And they have sold cakes at school, taken part in a sponsored walk, performed and collected donations at local events and helped to pack bags at Asda.

They have also received smaller donations and raffle prizes from Barclays, Chorley Nissan, Chorley and District Building Society, Sainsbury's and Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Cheerleading coach Caroline Sephton said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the cheerleaders and they are working hard to raise the funds.

"We were delighted to receive the kind donations from the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Abbey National and are grateful for everything people do for us."

She added: "It would be a shame if they were given the chance to compete at the highest level and did not have the resources to enable them to go.