Saturday's home match at Bootham Crescent marked the debut appearance at York City's ground for the All Saints' cheerleaders.

The 16-strong squad trod the turf for the first time as they cheered the Minstermen out onto the field before their game against Brighton.

The girls from All Saints' RC School in York then performed a four-minute routine at half-time.

Janetta Maxwell, from the City of York Council Performing Arts Service, said the squad was formed when the service was asked to find a group of dancers for the North Yorkshire Millennium Youth Games opening ceremony.

"They did such a good job of cheering and supporting the York teams, that a York City representative invited them to cheer for York City on the spot," she said.

"They have now been invited to perform at all home games during the coming season."

The girls, all aged 15 and 16, said they were enjoying their new role.

Stephanie Nicholson, squad member, said: "I've always dreamed of being an American cheerleader. I'm one step nearer now."

Since the youth games, the cheerleaders have been invited to perform at a variety of functions in and around the city, including the 2,000 Voices for 2000 event at the Huntington Stadium in May.