Witham's Majorettes are on their way to represent England in the world Twirling Championships in Prague thanks to an appeal through the Essex Chronicle.

The youngsters needed to raise £3,500 in just three months, and with time running out they appealed for financial help from the town.

Now after reading of their plight three cheques have come in and the girls are on their way.

Funds have been boosted by Witham Round Table which donated £500, Witham Chamber of Commerce, £200, and Witham Town Council with £250.

"It's absolutely fantastic," says co-leader of the majorettes, Mrs Bonnie Winfield.

"We still have another £450 to raise and have to commit to the trip in the next few days. But now we are this close, we can make it."

The youngsters, organisers and parents have been working non-stop fund-raising themselves. A sponsored Twirl and Tombola, family barbecue, and raffles have all brought in money, and two local firms helped by supplying meat and drink for the events.

But the breakthrough came when Sean Bunch, chairman of Witham Round Table read of the majorettes' plea for help.

"It is a major achievement and a very special honour for them to qualify to represent their country, and we thought we could help them achieve their goal," said Mr Bunch.

Chairman of the town's Chamber of Commerce, Terry Porter, also learned of the majorettes appeal from the Chronicle article. "I rang round our members, explained the situation and everyone came up with a donation," he said.

Witham Town Council voted at Monday night's planning and resources committee to donate £250 to the team.

Said town councillor, Phil Barlow: "They are representing England and Witham and will help put the name of our town on the map. We felt they deserved some help and have done a great deal also themselves."

In just four years they have won 450 trophies - 45 of these in the first four weeks of the season.

CHEQUE HANDOVER: Witham Round Table chairman Sean Bunch, press officer, Terry Porter and community service officer, Paul Kemp hand over £500 to the majorettes.

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