Cheerleading champs!

BRISTOL Metropolitan Academy’s Hurricanes cheerleading team have been crowned national champions in their division.

The school sent two teams to the Legacy Cheer & Dance championships at Birmingham's Resorts World Arena in March.

The school's Tornadoes team were runners-up in their division, missing out on the top spot by three points.

Both teams will now compete in the European championships in the summer.

Around 30 students from Years 7-10 have been training twice a week in their own time after school since October, with some competing in both teams in the contest.

PE teacher and Tornadoes Coach Emily Pine-Smith said: “This is the first time I have coached a team, so to win the title at the first time of asking is amazing.

"As a cheerleader myself, starting at university, I wanted to give them the opportunity I never had in school.

"When the girls compete in their teams it really gives them a sense of belonging and it is great for the age ranges to mix and learn new skills.”