SAVE the cheerleader, save the world was the message behind the cult TV series Heroes and now a Wiltshire troupe are hoping sponsors will dig deep to save them.

Cheerleading coach Michelle Hodgson set up her Sweet Charity Performance Troupe two years ago from her home in Bushton with five girls.

But despite the troupe now being 17 strong and moving into Broad Town Primary School's hall, funding has dried up.

This year the youngsters, aged between five and 10, have been inspired by the movie High School Musical, and are currently rehearsing for their summer season, a routine based on the film.

Michelle said: "We do six shows a year at fetes, school and events such as the Lions May Fair, raising money for charity."

This year the Sweet Charity group have chosen the NSPCC to benefit from their shows, kicking off in June at Broad Town Primary School.

In the past the group has had funding of £3,500 from the Local Network Fund, a Government charity for children, £270 from the Wootton Bassett Lions Club and £100 from the Big Gig music festival in Broad Town.

But now the group is totally self funding.

"We are really grateful and want to say thank you to the people who have sponsored us in the past but we do need some help now," said Michelle, who was a ballet and tap dancer herself.

Michelle's five-year-old daughter Ruby is one of the youngest cheerleaders, while Vanda Graham is the other coach for the Sweet Charity dance troupe.

Michelle said her aim was to give youngsters from Broad Town, Bushton and Wootton Bassett their own performance group.

"It pulls all the villages together," she said.

Anyone wanting to sponsor the Sweet Charity Performance Troupe should call 01793 739296.