It's a family affair as Altrincham synchronised skating teams are crowned British champions

Four teams who train at Altrincham Ice Rink recently took part at the British Championships, with two of them - junior team Whizz Kids and adult outfit Bladerunners - being crowned British champions.

Ice skating coach Sam Ozard trains the four teams twice a week at 6am sessions.

The team members of the gold medal winning Whizz Kids included Sam's two daughters, Tilly, 14 and Tabitha, 11, while Sam's sister, Sally Greenway, won gold on the adult team, Bladerunners.

Sam's mother, Carole O'Hanlon, also made an invaluable contribution, making and designing the dresses for the teams.

Sam said: ""I am really proud of all my skaters who took part in this competition, all the teams scored personal best scores.

"It was a particularly spectacular result with two daughters, Tilly and Tabitha, and my sister, Sally, winning gold.

"My mum made and designed the dresses, making more than 40 dresses for the teams.

"It really is a family affair here at Altrincham Synchro Club."

Adult team, Bladerunners, retained their title for the second year running and Whizz Kids took gold in the advanced novice B category.

Altair won a silver medal in the elementary category and Luna placed seventh out of 13 in the preliminary category.

The teams are now preparing for their next competition, the Trophy D’Ecosse in February, followed by the Budapest Cup in March.