A cheerleading team will experience the magic of Disneyland Paris when they take part in an international cheer and dance competition November.

And the 776 Gymnastics team has been given a helping hand by the Armchair Club, a group of local people who support sports clubs and individuals.

776 Gymnastics, which has bases in Mansfield and Newark, received £500 from the Armchair Club Sports Foundation Trust development fund, which is jointly supported by Mansfield Building Society.

When the 776 Gymnastics Junior Cheer team — 16 chilren and four coaches — goes to Paris for the Future Cheer competition it will be the first time that 776 has had the opportunity to compete at international level.

The youngsters are increasing their training schedule to help perfect routines and skills.

Gymnastics coach and owner Kelly Westwood, who thanked the Armchair Club for the donation, said: “We would like our children to have the same opportunities as others and this is such a big dream come true for them.

“We are doing all we can to help these children on their way to represent Mansfield at an international competition.”

As well as the donation, the club has started to help families raise money for the trip, including three coaches tackling a sponsored Three Peaks challenge, and a cheer display for parents that added £400 to the Paris fund.

Two parents are also making gifts and holding weekly tombolas, raising hundreds of pounds so far, while children at the club completed a sponsored run.