THE Essex Pirates have conjured up a competition in pursuit of the town’s best dancing groups.

The professional basketball team, who are based in Southend, are keen to spice up their British Basketball League (BBL) matches.

And the Pirates want dancing groups to come and show off their skills in a bid to become the club’s official cheerleaders.

“We want to find a regular dancing group to help us, and this competition is a great way of finding them,” said head coach Tim Lewis.

“We’re keen for them to get involved and look forward to seeing all the different competitors.”

The competition — which is named Bounce Off — will be an elimination-style tournament as selected teams will compete to be named the personal dance troupe for the season.

Dance teams from all over Essex will be meeting to strut their stuff against each other in events being held between Saturday, September 25, and Saturday, December 18.

The competition will take place at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, in Eastern Avenue, which is where Pirates play their home games.

To reserve a place, email your interest to info@sponsorpack.co.uk