Kirkby shopkeepers skate to gold

Not only did they win the compulsory Ice Dance Section, where they compete against anyone aged 28 and over, they also won the coveted gold medal in the Short Dance section, achieving a personal best score.

Pat, who used to coach Christopher Dean, is married to David and they own the Kingsway Store. They travel out to train in Oberstdorf a couple of times a year, and grab ice time at Nottingham whenever work allows.

The couple travelled along with 57 other British skaters who form the adult GB team and all competed in events including Ladies’ Solo, Men’s Solo, Artistic, Pairs and Ice Dance.

The GB skaters topped the medal table once again with 13 golds, seven silvers and seven bronze medals, as well as a host of personal best scores.

The team has steadily increased in numbers over the last three years and adult skating is more popular than ever, partly due to the coverage that Dancing on Ice has brought into peoples homes, sparking a massive interest in the sport.

The event itself attracts former World Champions and Olympic competitors, and the standard increases year on year.

David said: “There is such a sense of team spirit and every team member has something to offer.

“The sense of camaraderie is just amazing and to hear the cheer of the crowds as you step on the ice is just brilliant. Just because we’re older, doesn’t mean we can’t still do the tricks.”

“We skate because we love it, it’s a passion.”