West Norfolk's only baton twirling and cheerleading group performed in the heart of Downham Market at the weekend to raise money for new tracksuits.

Downham Market-based Marquettes strutted their stuff on the Town Square for two hours on Saturday – much to the delight of shoppers – in order to raise money.

Group founder Anita Cornish said the current crop of tracksuits are nearly 12 years old and a recent picture of the group reminded them just how 'tatty' they are.

The fundraising drive comes after the group received two grants totalling �2,000 last year.

The grants of �500 from Mars in the Community and �1,500 from Grassroots was used for new pom-poms and uniforms as well as a much-needed laptop and a printer.

'We have also been able to buy two new sound systems for training and more costumes for club and individual competitions,' Mrs Cornish added.

'The help we have received last year has meant we've been able to concentrate on training.

'We have had quite a few national champions over the years and we are focusing on producing more in the coming years.'

The group attracts girls from areas surrounding Thetford, King's Lynn, Ely, Littleport and Wisbech, as well as Downham Market. The ages of the group's girls range from three to 21.

The Marquettes train at Downham Market High School on Tuesdays where the girls learn baton twirling, juggling, cheerleading, gymnastics, ballet, contemporary jazz and street dance skills.

david.blackmore@archant.co.uk