A TALENTED troupe of majorettes wowed the judges at Southend Carnival, winning the event for the second year running.

A TALENTED troupe of majorettes wowed the judges at Southend Carnival, winning the event for the second year running.

Royston based Electralites Majorettes danced from 7.45pm-11pm along the grueling 3.5 miles of carnival route on August 21.

Over 20 members of the troupe paraded through the Essex town while fireworks lit up the night sky, competing against majorettes from across the Southern and Eastern regions of the UK.

Zoe Barfield, the group’s trainer, said: “It was a great evening, all the girls danced so well and looked fantastic along the whole route, I am so proud of them.”

The squad were judged as they paraded along the event’s route and were presented with the first place trophy by the carnival queen.

Mark Barfield, the Electralites’ manager, said: “It is a long way along the seafront and the girls end up with blisters on their hands from the batons they twirl and on their feet from the distance they dance for, but their smiles never fade, we all have a great time.”

The group were formed in 1997 and anyone aged four and upwards can join the troupe.

Gillian Morland, parent of a majorette, said: “My daughter has been with the Electralites for 8 years now, they are such a team and just one big family with the older girls looking after the younger ones and helping to teach new members all the skills.

“Southend Carnival is a huge parade with lots of entries and such a great experience and the girls have such fun doing it, winning is just the icing in the cake.”

The Electralites will be performing at the Steeple Morden Harvest Fair on September 18 and the Royston Fire Station open day the following week.

More information on the troupe is availible from Zoe Barfield on 07994053209.