Majorettes from Oxford are practising their lifts and twists in preparation for a charity event next year.

The youngsters from the Strawberry Fayre Majorettes are warming up for the British Red Cross's Dance for Life next April. They are planning to choreograph a new routine for the fundraising performance at The Amey Theatre at Abingdon School in April.

Georgina Morris is pictured practising a lift.

Troupe founder Eileen Filer, of Church Cowley Road, Oxford, said the group was also planning a series of fundraising events starting with a bric-a-brac stall in the new year.

She said: "The Dance for Life is an annual event and this year they have decided to do it in Oxfordshire. It is like a little competition, a variety show."

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. Currently the troupe has 36 girls aged between four and 15 years old. It also has two flag boys who join the group for parades - but is appealing for more boys to help them do higher lifts.

As well as pom-poms, batons and parasols, the group hopes to include feather fans in its routines. The troupe, formed in 1992, meets at Headington Community Centre in Gladstone Road every Monday from 7.15-9.15pm. For more information, see www.strawberryfayre majorettes.co.uk or call 01865 717781.