The Blaze of Upminster Majorettes returned from a national championship in triumph.

Romford Recorder: Thomas Vincent, 7, was competing in a group of 11 girls and is the first male competitor to win the prestigious UKFM Mascot 2016/17 title.Thomas Vincent, 7, was competing in a group of 11 girls and is the first male competitor to win the prestigious UKFM Mascot 2016/17 title. (Image: Archant)

The group of 11 girls and one boy left the UK Federation of Majorettes’ (UKFM) championship with nine trophies, including a third place for their outdoor troupe display.

Thomas Vincent, seven, gained a first and second place in solo contests and was the first male twirler to be named UKFM Mascot of the Year.

He will spend the next year attending competitions across the country, representing the UKFM.

The group’s youngest member, four-year-old Aimee Doidge, competed in her first championship and achieved third place for her solo performance as well as the Troupe Star award.

The troupe will perform their award-winning troupe display at the Kids Activity Expo on May 22 at Coopers’ Coborn School, St Marys Lane, Upminster.

The event is free and tickets can be booked here.