Giants Competitive cheerleaders competed alongside thousands of squads from around the country at a recent competition.

The group of girls, who have only been training together since October, are made up of 20 of the elite junior cheerleaders who train at The Zone in Leeds Road every week.

And the world of competitive cheerleading is very different to what Giants fans may have seen on a match day.

The polished routines have to include a set numbers of jumps, tumbles and pyramids - all performed before a panel of demanding judges.

But the group did not disappoint and came a creditable fourth place.

A spokesperson for the squad said: “The day from start to finish was an amazing success for the squad who placed a respectable fourth and came home with medals and silverware to be proud of.

“The squad have bonded so well and there was singing and chanting on the team bus - both on their way there and on the way back.”

Charlene Waterworth, whose daughter is one the squad’s youngest members, said: “It was a brilliant day, the squad and coaches did an amazing job.

“Most of the parents who attended were very nervous as we stood in the crowd but we are so very proud of them all.”

Seven-year-old Rhianan Paga added:“I had a brilliant day, I can’t wait for the next one, I loved every minute of the day!”

Sharon Hemmingway, mum of Bethany Hemmingway said: “What a team! They barely knew each other only a few weeks ago. How they have bonded - they all did a brilliant job.”

The Giants Competitive Cheerleaders will be performing their routine at the Huddersfield Giants’ first Super League of the season against Hull FC at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday February 8 before a 3pm kick off.