PICK up your pom poms for Sport Relief.

That is the challenge from two of Southampton's biggest cheerleading teams ahead of a special fundraising event next month.

Liberty Pride and Solent Ravens will be the driving force behind a “mass cheer” to help runners cross the finish line at the Sport Relief Mile in Southampton city centre on March 21.

Now they are on the hunt for new members.

“No experience is necessary we just want people to come along and have a go - we could have over 100 cheerleaders on the day,” said Liberty Pride coach Sara Al-Rashed, speaking as the two squads gathered for a dress rehearsal in Guildhall Square this afternoon.

“We are so excited to be involved. We love to get involved in anything to do with the local community and raising money for charity.

“We're going to cheer on all of the competitors and perk them up for the run.”

Current national champions Liberty Pride train at Oasis Academy Lordshill and will be holding tryouts in a recruitment drive for Sport Relief on Sunday, March 2.

Ravens are Southampton Solent University's own team, who are regularly seen cheering on Solent Redhawks, the university's American football team.

The cheerleaders' display is the perfect warm-up for the Sport Relief events - the one, three and six mile runs and swimathons which take place on March 21 to 23 - and can have even greater long term health benefits.

Dr Bob Coates, public health consultant for NHS Southampton City, a partner of Sport Relief with Southampton Solent University, Saints Foundation and Southampton University, said: “This is great. We are mobilising the community right now to join in and get everyone engaged.

“It's a powerful combination putting the goodwill of charity alongside a physical activity, which is so good for us and we need so much to keep us healthy nowadays.

“Get active! You'll live longer, you'll feel better, it's what your body was designed to do and frankly we can live healthier and much more fulfilled lives if we keep physically active.”

Funds raised will return to the local community through the Community Cash link up with the Daily Echo through Sport Relief with £50,000 of grants to giveaway to good causes. To apply for one of the grants log on to hantscf.org.uk.

To take part in the Sport Relief Games log on to sportrelief.com. To find out more about Liberty Pride log on to leaguelineup.com/lpc.