A Merton high school is celebrating the success of one of its star cheerleading students.

Lily Dooner, a Year 10 pupil at Raynes Park High School, has enjoyed performing under the TV spotlight in the recent CBBC series called ‘My Team: The Cheerleaders.’

The five episode series followed the training regime of three champion cheerleading teams from all over the UK as they developed and practised their challenging, dramatic, acrobatic routines to win the National Cheerleading Championships.

Lily said: "I eat, sleep and breathe cheerleading."

Through her dedication, diligence and commitment to the sport she has developed confidence, honed her leadership skills and inspired the 28-strong Unity Pearl team.

With cheerleading now being recognised as a national sport, Lily is aiming for a place in the Team GB Cheerleading squad in two years and plans to take part in a tour to the USA in 2015.

Lily’s talents do not end there though as her skills stretch beyond the realm of cheerleading.

The accomplished student is also a keen singer, and has performed in a variety of musical shows at Raynes Park High School, singing solo in front of the whole school and entertaining audiences at school musical evenings.

Philip Wheatley, headteacher, said: "Encouraging and celebrating the students’ talents and skills reflects the ethos of Raynes Park High School and we are delighted with Lily’s success."