MEMBERS of Watford Twirlstars swept the board at the annual National Baton Twirling Competition held at Havant near Portsmouth.

The Twirlstars brought 40 awards back to Watford - won in individual dancing, marching or twirling events and group events. Thirty-seven were for individual achievements, three were for group efforts.

Nine twirlers from the group competed in a four-day competition over Easter which was judged by top American and Canadian judges.

The Twirlstars' three most successful competitors were Jackie Scott, aged 11, who came first place in one category and also won five other solo awards. Sarah Ball, aged 14 and Cheryl Edwards, 18, both won three first places and two second places in their categories.

Trainer Ms Jo White felt that much of their success was due, not just to the high standard of their twirling skills, but also to the showmanship within their performances.

She said: "They really put so much into their routines that they do themselves proud."

Both the junior and senior teams swept the board clean at the Pom Pom Dance event, winning first place with their different and eye-catching routines.

Ms White felt that a key ingredient in the success of the Twirlstars was the variation in the music she chose for them. She said: "I will always try to pick different and interesting music where as some groups just pick songs from Annie or Ricky Martin tracks which is heard over and over again."

This year's themes were The Snake which is an old Northern Soul track to which the girls acted out the lyrics of the songs. The senior girls' theme was a modern Moroccan style piece to a re-mix of Yeke Yeke which was from The Beach sound track.

For more information about becoming a Watford Twirlstar, contact Joyce White on 01923 465366.