BATON twirling Jessica Mills, of Watchet, reached for the sky and came top with her duet partner at national championships held in Torbay recently.

Jessica, 13, of Liddymore Road, and Chloe Gifford, of Taunton, became the new duet national champions 2016 in the junior beginner class.

Jessica also came second as part of the dance team event at the National Baton Twirling Championships.

She started the sport just two years ago, after discovering her mum Cheryl’s majorette batons, but could not find local majorettes to join.

Instead she took up twirling and works with Taunton-based troop Ambition, practising Saturdays and Sundays with them every alternate weekend, and working with her trainer on the other weekend.

Earlier this year, the troop was chosen to represent England at the European Championships in Italy, and Watchet Community Bookshop helped sponsor Jessica’s travel costs.

Jessica is pictured on the right with Chloe.