WORLD champion cheerleaders Cheer force Knights need to raise £30,000 to defend their title in the United States next year.

The Maryport team that beat the Americans at their own game earlier this year, plans to travel to the USA in April to defend their title.

Times and Star: The world champion cheerleaders who need £30,000 to defend their titleThe world champion cheerleaders who need £30,000 to defend their title (Image: Cheer Travel UK)

Head coach Olivia Scholey said fundraising is underway with several events planned over the coming weeks. The cheerleaders will be packing bags at Morrison's, Tesco and Asda.

The cheerleaders are running a 100-draw raffle where, for £13, tickets are drawn at regular intervals for cash prizes, with a bonus draw for £50 at Christma time.

There will be a Bingo night on September 27 and a  race night on November 17.

There will also be a  silent disco and even a sponsored sleepover.

Cheerforce Knights became world champions at the contest in the United States last year.

Times and Star: The Maryport cheerleaders who are flying high in international competitionsThe Maryport cheerleaders who are flying high in international competitions (Image: Cheer Travel UK)

Olivia, 23, said it was a huge thrill because the USA is really the home of cheerleading.

The winning team owes much to her experience. Olivia was part of the Blue Stars, a former Maryport group when she was 10 and has kept up with the sport ever since.

She attends conferences and training and keeps up with the latest trends.

She has turned her passion into a successful business with its own studio and staff including assistant coach Ellie Dempster.

The result is a team that is punching far above its weight but winning every time!