THE organisers of Chippenham Majorettes, which folded in September, have thanked everyone who has invited them to their events in the past 20 years.

The group had 22 baton-twirling members, aged between five and 16, but when founder Ruby Smith announced her retirement there were no volunteers to step into her shoes.

But the coordinator Gill Masters said the group wanted to say a last thank you to all its supporters.

She added that all the clubs remaining funds have been donated to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the cardiac intensive care unit at Bath's Royal United Hospital, in memory of Mrs Smith's late husband George.

"We just wanted to say a big thank you to all the parents and everyone who has invited us to their events in the past," Mrs Masters said.

"I think everyone was disappointed, but we couldn't carry on."

Mrs Masters said the majorettes were very popular and often had waiting lists of eager young girls wanting to join the troupe.

She said most of the girls have now gone to other majorette troupes across the district or have taken up gymnastics.