A baton-twirling troupe that entertains crowds at carnivals and community events is hoping to expand the club if they win the Let's Do It Award.

The Watford and Wembley Majorettes are made up of 18 girls from all over north-west London, the oldest of which is 16 years old, who meet to practice dancing and marching routines with pompoms, batons, flags, wheels and maces.

Its president is former majorette Faye Laws, whose mother founded the club under a slightly different name 14 years ago.

The troupe continues to compete in regional and national contests and has recently won awards at competitions.

Tyna Watmore, who nominated the group for the Let's Do It Community Awards, said: "The majorette group offers the community the opportunity to take part in a different sport.

"We aim to boost their confidence and self-esteem and encourage them to relate to their peers."

Mrs Watmore said the group, whose members work on a voluntary basis, takes part in carnivals and displays to raise money, but the funding is not enough to cover the expenses and organisers do not feel comfortable asking the parents to pay more than they can.

If the group wins the prize of £1,000 or £500, she said, the money would be invested in costumes and new equipment for the group, which hopes to expand into the Harrow area.

The majorettes get together twice a week, on Tuesdays at the Watford Grammar School for Girls in Watford and on Saturdays at the Alban Wood Primary School in Watford.

Another parent and fundraiser, Nicky Yates, said: "It's nice to have a community group to offer boys and girls at different ability levels an opportunity to come along and meet friends. There are no barriers, no discrimination. They are learning a life skill. It's nice to see that children can come together at all age groups to help each other to achieve."