It may be strictly girls only at today's Race for Life but the boys always turn out in force to cheer from the sidelines.

And 2009 is no exception as the Nivea Boys – a troupe of male cheerleaders – return to The Common to lead the male support.

Ladies taking part in the 5k event on Southampton Common will be treated to a spot of pom pom shaking ahead of the race as the boys execute a hip-swivelling dance routine to the sound of S Club 7.

A Nivea spokesman said: “The male cheerleaders create a great sense of excitement.

“We can’t wait to see the reaction to this year’s dance routine – it really is a show-stopper!”

All those dedicated husbands, dads, boyfriends and sons cheering on the women in their lives are also invited to do their bit on the day by buying a Nivea fundraising flower from the cheerleaders for a minimum donation of £1. Proceeds (25p from each sale) go back to Cancer Research UK.