A five-year-old has been named the national champion for solo baton twirling for a second time - just a year after starting the sport.

Aaliyah Ord, from Minster, competed at the Audrey O'Neill MBE Foundation Cup last month.

The Minster-in-Sheppey- primary pupil competed in three individual events and two team events across the weekend of November 12 and 13.

The Year 1 pupil came away not only winning the Overall National Title but also the Talented Athlete Award, which recognised all her hard work and titles she has claimed over the last 12 months.

Baton twirling is a sport that uses the body to spin a metal rod for a well practised routine.

It is similar to rhythmic gymnastics.

Nicola Ord, her mum, said: "We are unbelievably proud of all she has accomplished this year being her first year of competing and are bursting with pride."

Aaliyah and her team mates also came away with a third place prize for their dance twirl and a first place position for their pom-pom routine.

The youngster only started competing in baton twirling events in December 2021 and less than six months later she won the national title.

She competes with the Artistic Baton Twirling and Acro Academy, following in her mum’s footsteps.

Her sister, Joanne,is also a judge and coach.

Nicola added: "If anyone is thinking of taking up this sport they should contact Artistic Academy on Facebook, we would love new members to join our team."

The baton twirlers train on a Sunday mornings at Swallows Leisure Centre in Sittingbourne, while acro lessons are based in Eastchurch at the Girlguiding HQ Hall.