TWO South Essex baton twirlers have been named national champions.

Jessie McCarthy, 12, from Pitsea, and Ciara Dockrell, 13, of Benfleet, won their age categories at the National Baton Twirling Association championships in Devon.

They will now represent England at the world championships in Italy next April.

Jessie, a member of the Oasis Twirlstars, in Basingstoke, bagged first place in two categories.

Ciara, a member of Innovation Twirlers, based in Stanford-le-Hope, was first in three sections.

The girls take part in additional training sessions at Eversley Leisure Centre, in Crest Avenue, Pitsea.

Bosses at the centre, run by Everyone Active for Basildon Council, have helped ease some of the youngsters’ training costs under the Free Access for National Sports scheme.

It is a partnership between councils and leisure centres to provide budding athletes of all ages free access to training facilities when they compete at national level.

James Dennis, manager at Everyone Active, said: “We feel it’s important to support rising sporting stars and give them the best possible chance of competing at the highest level and achieving their dreams.

“We’re pleased for both girls and would like to congratulate them on their achievements, as well as wish them the best of luck in the world championships.”