TWO teenagers from York are dancing for joy after representing England at the World Cheerleading Championships in Florida and winning gold medals.

Niamh Cottle, 15, of Eva Avenue, Rawcliffe, and her friend Jessica Bilton, 17, of Pentire Close, Clifton, were part of the England team that won gold in the paracheer freestyle pom section.

The team was made up of disabled and able-bodied athletes, aged 13 and above.

Niamh, who attends All Saints RC School, said: "To win gold was one of the most amazing achievements in my life. Being on that stage with my team and family in the audience was surreal. I wish I could go back and re-live it. When we got off the floor it was crazy to call ourselves world champions. To me it just proved that if you love what you do, like I love to dance, then do it while you can because if I never tried out for that team I would never have been in the position I am now."

York College student Jessica added: "Having the chance to be in team England and work with all the amazing athletes and coaches was the best experience I’ve ever had but receiving a gold medal didn’t seem real at first. I was so shocked and excited to be called a world champion and I still am."

It was the first year that Niamh and Jessica had competed with England, but they trained with the team since September last year.

Niamh, Jessica and the rest of the team travelled to Florida for the championships and stayed there for two weeks, but the competition itself was for three days.

"We all went with our families unless you are able to travel on your own and want to," Niamh said.

"But for me I loved going with my family so they could experience it like I did.

"We did a lot of team activities for the first week."

Both Niamh and Jessica are members of York-based Fantasy Cheer and Dance team.

Overall, the England squad won five golds and a silver at the championships.