A NEW baton twirling group is proving popular and enthusiasts have been flocking to join.

The Kennet Twirlers was set up by Devizes' mothers Janice Sweeney and Shirley Williams.

The group held its first training session on Sunday at Devizes Leisure Centre. It now has 18 members with another five due to join.

Kennet Twirlers is open to youngsters interested in baton twirling, regardless of their experience, and will meet every Sunday from 1pm to 4pm at the leisure centre.

The group has secured the expertise of Mandy Girdler, a trainer and judge from the National Baton Twirling Association.

Mrs Sweeney said: "She travels up from Basingstoke each Sunday to train the youngsters. She does it for the love of twirling. She's happiest when she is throwing a baton around.

"Some of our members have done baton twirling before but others are new to it. On Sunday some of them had never held a baton before, but they quickly learned how to do it and they all seemed to have fun which is the main thing. The group is open to children of school age and it helps if they start at a young age."

Each training session costs £5. For more information call Mrs Sweeney on (01380) 730197.