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Their passion may never pass as a sport in the eyes of die-hard traditionalists and they face some serious fundraising to keep afloat.

But Shardonnay Twirling Majorettes are here to stay.

From humble beginnings in 2002, the 25-strong troupe is ready to take on the nation after scooping a record number of medals in 2008.

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Leader Donna Broadbent founded the group when she was just 17.

Now 23, Donna works as a nursery nurse through the day and teaches different classes for three hours, two evenings a week when the twirlers meet at Hunslet Carr Primary School.

She said: "I am a previous majorette myself and I wanted to keep the kids off the street.

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"People had approached me to do it so I put leaflets out and we got 25 girls.

"This really gives them something to do. It's not a recognised sport. Football and rugby are more in the public eye, although there are lots of majorette troupes around."

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Donna estimates there are more than 20 troupes in Leeds alone.

"It's quite a discipline – it originated in America and you have the
marching discipline, the poise and the position."

Donna takes different age groups from three-year-olds upwards and 2008 was their most successful year to date.

Although one of the smaller troupes, the girls swept the board in the Northern Majorettes Association.

Donna said: "Not only did they scoop 11 first places, seven second places and 11 third places, the troupe also won overall troupe of the weekend as well as coming tops by winning six overall routines and getting N.M.A's overall pom pom, baton and Troupe of the Year 2008.

"They have never won so many medals. I cannot believe how proud I am of them.

"There were hundreds of majorettes at this event and we have only got 25 in our troupe; we are the smallest."

The team works hard to raise money for batons and uniforms by organising raffles and bag packing for customers at local supermarkets.

"We raised about £2,000 last year," said. Donna

"Now we are in training for the national United Baton Twirling Association competition .

"We can't afford the one in April so we are going for the one in October.

"Last year was our best yet and I am training them now to do the same – if not better !"

* In 2007 teenager Craig Womersley, of Bramley, Leeds, shone the spotlight on baton twirling when he starred on ITV's Britain's Got Talent.