THREE girls from Biggar recently scooped nine awards at an international baton twirling event in America.

Joanna Dale, 10, Harriet Neville, 14, and Katie Child, 15, were representing Scotland at Twirlmania at Disney ESPN arena in Orlando.

And the trio impressed judges and came home with a total of nine awards – two of which were first place.

Before the event the girls had no expectations of winning any medals, as they were up against against 3500 entrants at the event.

But they were spurred on by huge support from their families and coach Shirley Craig – who all made the trip to Florida for the competition.

Shirley is a widely known and respected member of the twirling community, who has judged at events including the world championships.

And she praised the girls' medal haul.

She told the Peeblesshire News: "I am beyond proud of these three young ladies.

"It was their first time at an international competition and on day one, Joanna nailed a perfect no drop dancetwirl and got fourth place and Harriet came first in the Basic Strut.

"She also came eighth in the Military Strut, while Katie was ninth.

"On day two, Katie got a first place, Harriet claimed a seventh and Joanna, in a section with 23 competitors, got a seventh too.

"In the Two Baton, Harriet was 5th and Katie was 9th.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think we could achieve this.

"We are buzzing."