WITH its colourful pom-poms, shiny costumes and fancy baton twirling, it is little wonder cheerleading has traditionally appealed mainly to girls.

But now one Oxford group, the Strawberry Fayre Majorettes, is hoping to break down the stereotype - by recruiting strong, silent types to take part by helping with the lifts in their routines.

Troupe co-ordinator Sonia Denmark, 36, from Blackbird Leys, said: "The girls do a lot of the lifts and they are really good but with boys it's easier because they tend to be stronger and you can get the lifts higher.

"I think boys are reluctant because there is a bit of teasing from people not realising how much is involved.

"They think it's female oriented and that's what we want to break down. Here it's not the done thing. But in America it's a really serious sport and you have to be fit and strong."

The Strawberry Fayre Majorettes have appeared at events across the county including carnivals in Bicester and Eynsham, the Headington Festival, Christmas lights switch-ons and the Lord Mayor's Parade in Oxford.

The troupe has 36 girls aged between four and 15. It also has two flag boys, including Mrs Denmark's eight-year-old son Robbie, who join the group just for parades.

Mrs Denmark, of Falcon Close, Blackbird Leys, said: "He likes it, he's quite proud to march in front of the girls."

Three of Mrs Denmark's other four children - Paige, 15, Emily-Rose, five, and Natasha, four - are also members of the troupe.

She said: "They absolutely love it. They get exercise, they get to learn something unusual and they get medals at the end of the year."

Orchard Meadow Primary School pupil Robbie said more boys should join the group.

He said: "We march in some parades and we just hold the flag up. I like it."

Group founder Eileen Filer, of Church Cowley Road, Oxford, added: "The boys would be able to throw the girls higher into the air which would look quite effective. It's not just about standing there shaking your pom-poms."

As well as pom-poms and batons and parasols, the group hopes to include feather fans in its routines.

Shannon Clerkin, 11, from Gwyneth Road in Littlemore, Oxford, has been a member for three years.

She said: "We have a few different dances with hats and canes and umbrellas. My favourite part is the cheerleading."

The troupe, formed in 1992, meets at Headington Community Centre in Gladstone Road every Monday from 7.15pm to 9.15pm.

For more information, see www.strawberryfayremajorettes.co.uk or call 01865 717781.