MAJORETTE Emily Dodd of Devizes returned from a national championship with a clutch of awards.

Emily, 17, competed at the National Baton Twirling Association Championship and became the champion for senior novice, over 16 age group, at pom pom strut.

Emily, of Broadleas Park, who was a member of the Kennet Twirlers majorette troupe, and is now with the Metallica Twirlers in Trowbridge, also won six other awards.

Emily said: "I was so happy to do so well at the national championships. The competition was tough and the standard of the other girls was high."

Emily, a student at Devizes School, hopes to go to university to study for a performing arts degree.

She said: "But I'm going to continue as a majorette. It's good fun. It also keeps me fit and I have made a lot of friends though it."

Emily practises twirling batons for about 30 minutes each day and is training some of the younger members of the Metallica Twirlers. She will also be taking a judges course.

She also enjoys acting and is a member of the Eklyspe Theatre Company and the Wharf Theatre, Devizes.