Maryport's world-champion cheerleaders were welcomed to a town council meeting on Monday.

Mayor Linda Radcliffe told them: "You have no idea how proud we are of you.

"The team, Cheer Force Knights, won the world championship cheerleading competition in the home of cheerleading, the United States."

The council presented them with a silver salver to mark the occasion.

Two team members, Evie Bound, 17, and Lucie Parker, 13, told of the excitement of the team's trip to the championship competition in Florida and of the overwhelming joy of winning.

"We were so excited. We were shouting and screaming and crying," Lucie said.

Evie said each member was awarded a medal and a ring - although they are still waiting for those to arrive in the post.

Although they worked hard to win the competition there was also the chance for fun, including a visit to Disneyworld.

The girls returned home to a heroes' welcome.