Banbury twirling team flying high ahead of British championships

The girls are aged between four and 18 and all members of the Banbury Cross Twirling Club. They reached the finals by battling through regional and then area qualifying heats, with star performers Abbie Buzzard, ten, and Aisha Halford, 12, winning all their events.

Banbury entered more than 60 individual events and the girls were awarded medals or distinctions in their classes including fancy strut, solo twirl, dance twirl, duo, two-baton and poise.

Team leader Janet Green said: “Our girls are really making names for themselves in the competitive world of twirling. They train with enthusiasm and reap the rewards for their hard work by coming home from big competitions with lots of trophies.

“They deserve their chance to compete in the national championships.”

“The area heats were the first competitions for some of our newer members who excelled in their sections – and we are extremely proud of their achievements.”

Twirling is a growing sport in which competitors perform gymnastic routines while twirling batons.

The championships are organised by the British Baton Twirling Sports Association.