BETHANY Widdup proved to be an ice gem on the slopes of Bormio in Italy after gaining her first international podium place.

The 16-year-old from Colne finished in third place in the slalom event at the Italian resort to underline her reputation as one of the best young skiers around.

The Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil is already an indoor English and British champion but showed that she is up there with the best when it comes to competing on the slopes.

“Bethany has competed in a number of international events and has done very well but this is the first time she has gained a podium finish,” said dad Mark. “She is a very good skier and we are thrilled that she managed to finish in third place in what was a big event.”

Bethany was competing in the English Alpine Championships which were hosted by Snowsport England.

And the talented teen – who competed in four events – made sure she got off to a cracking start by taking third place in the opening day international race. And she did it in some style. After finishing in 11th place in her first run, she stormed up to third place with a quite brilliant display of slalom skiing second time around.

“I wasn’t expecting it and I’m really happy,” said Bethany. “I did what I could and I’m quite happy with how I performed. My family is proud of my results.”

Bethany also competed in two giant slalom events, finishing in fifth place in her age group against skiers from across Europe and then in fourth place in a national race.

And she had to settle for another fourth place finish in the actual English Championship event.

The outside success goes with that already achieved indoors by Bethany who is a member of Manchester’s Chill Factore and Austrian-based Ambition Race teams But while she is being tipped as one for the future – she has already been selected for the England training team – dad Mark says she has a more pressing engagement, her exams.

He said: “Bethany has a very bright future in the sport but first of all she has to concentrate on her A Level exams.”