THREE young ice skaters have been congratulated after securing top places in a national competition.

Deeside Leisure Centre ice dancers Lily Bakhtiari, Ben Williams and Emma Shimali competed in the Ice Skating British Championships in Sheffield.

All three achieved the title of British champion in their categories.

Lily, 13, achieved ladies British champion advanced novice (under 16).

She is coached by Ryan Southan and Pam Richardson and was the youngest competitor in the category.

This is her third year competing and her third consecutive year qualifying for the championships.

She holds numerous gold and silver, national and international medals from this season and a British bronze medal at primary level from 2017.

Ben, 11, achieved men's British champion at juvenile (under 11).

He is also coached by Ryan Southan and Pam Richardson and has been skating for four years.

This is his first year qualifying for the championships and he is looking forward to the new season ahead.

Emma, nine, achieved ladies British champion in the beginner category (under 10).

She has been skating for four years and is coached by Ryan Southan and Paul and Viv Robinson.

Emma has only been learning dance since February and has won numerous bronze and silver medals this season.

Ian Foster, ice rink coordinator, said: “It’s great to have some of our fantastic skaters here at Deeside qualify for the British Championships.

"It's testament to the hard work that both the skaters and their coaches put in.

"A huge congratulations to the Lily, Ben and Emma on becoming British Champions and also to both Katie Gillmore and Hollie Durham who also competed”.

A spokesman for Aura Leisure and Libraries said: “It is a fantastic achievement and we are so pleased to hear of their success.

"We would like to send our congratulations to Lily, Ben and Emma and wish them every success with any future competitions."