Downham Market Marquettes Baton Twirlers star is Nancy Burton, 6, in British Open Championship

Three Downham Marquettes Baton Twirlers competition athletes attended the first British Open Championship competition hosted by the British Baton Twirling Sports Association (BBTSA) at the K2 Arena, Crawley.

This competition was attended by athletes from across the UK and Europe on June 11 and 12.

Six placings were won including a national champion title for Nancy Burton with her brilliant Annie themed performance in Tiny Tot Freestyle Solo; adding 3rd Solo Twirl.

Nancy is just 6 years old and has gained area, national and now British Open Championship status in just one year.

The club said: "We are very excited for her future development within the sport. She really is a future superstar in the making."

Tanisha Read: Junior Level C 10th Freestyle Solo and 9th Solo Twirl.

"Tanisha performed her heart out this weekend, really overcoming her nerves. This was her first competition against athletes from outside of the UK, her ‘toe-dip’ into the beginnings of international twirling which we hope she may pursue into 2023," the club added.

Scarlette Burton: Junior Level B 2nd Freestyle Solo and 7th Solo Twirl.

The club commented: "Scarlette’s Aladdin themed performance was breath-taking, it is the routine she will be competing with when she takes the European competition floor in July.

"We are immensely proud of our athletes for doing their absolute best across two days of intense hard competition."

From July 5 to 10, Scarlette Burton will be representing England at the European Cup in Blanes, Spain, competing in the Junior Women Level B sections for Solo Twirl, Two Baton and Freestyle Solo. The competition will be live streamed through YouTube. Links will be available on the Marquettes' Facebook page on competition days.

On July 17 the full competition team will be competing in the BBTSA Virtual Summer Cup competition, joining two other Norfolk based teams (from Thetford and Dereham).

Also coming up are a Regional Freestyle and Teams Competition and the BBTSA Foundation Cup.

The team is currently taking on new members, and can be contacted through their Facebook page, search for @marquettesbaton or enquire via email marquettes@outlook.com.

Training for beginners is Monday evenings 6-8pm at Downham Market Academy (boys gym) for ages 5-plus (primary school starters). Fees are £5 per session, although first session is free. Under-8s can train for an hour session, 6-7pm, at only £3 per session.