AN Inverclyde dance school has sent a record number of cheerleaders on a transatlantic trip to fly the flag for Scotland in a world championship contest.

A fab five five of young dancers from Dancemania and DM Diamondz are now in Florida in the United States competing in the events.

Local stars Hayley Casement, Luna McGuiness, Lily Brown and Emma McBride were all selected for Team Scotland at the International Cheer Union world championships, joining Eva Campbell who is back for a second year.

Their dance coach Ann Marie Campbell, who is in the USA with them, believes they stand a great chance of success in the competition.

The squad have had vital backing from local businesses and individuals to help pay for their exciting journey to America.

Anne Marie told the Tele: "We are all having a great time.

"The girls have all worked very hard in training out here. It is a great experience for them all.

"We would like to thank all the sponsors who have backed all the girls individually and the support we have had from the local community."

The dancers' friends back home at the dance studio have been sending them good luck messages as they get ready to take to the stage.

The girls from the dancing school made it through rigorous auditions to represent Team Scotland in different disciplines.

Hayley will be competing in Junior Pom and Luna in AA cheer, while Eva is competing in both the Youth Pom and Junior Pom.

The youngest competitors within the squad, Lily and Emma, are competing in the youth cheer category.

The squad have spent the last year fundraising to help get them to the World Championships and this is the third year in a row that the Gourock dance studio has sent over competitors for the global showdown.