Hartlepool cheerleaders need your votes to win national prize '“ and £5,000!

The Hartlepool Hawks Cheerleading Academy is in line for a £5,000 prize after reaching the finals of the National Lottery Awards.

Competing in the best sport project category, the Hawks have beaten competition from more than 700 organisations to reach the public voting stage.

They are now hoping for help to win the overall award, which also includes an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and an invitation to an awards ceremony which will be broadcast on BBC One in September.

The club caters for all ages and abilities, and athletes from it have reached European and World Championship level.

The academy’s head coach and founder, Becci Taylor, said: “We are delighted to learn that the Hartlepool Hawks Cheerleading Academy has reached the finals of the National Lottery Awards 2018.

“National Lottery funding has helped us buy essential, professional level equipment for training purposes to allow the cheerleaders to practise their stunt and tumble skills in safety and to the highest level. The club has gone from strength to strength in recent years, winning multiple UK championships and competing at European and athletes competing at world level.

“We would really love to add a National Lottery Award to our list of successes, so please vote for us!”

Musician, activist and National Lottery Awards ambassador Professor Green said: “The Hartlepool Hawks Cheerleading Academy is doing an incredible job for the benefit of its local community and the work they do is hugely impressive.

“So what are you waiting for? Give them your support and get voting!”

To vote for the Hartlepool Hawks Cheerleading Academy, go to lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards.

Voting runs until midnight on July 27.