BLACKBURN Arena based skaters had their rivals in a spin at the recent British Solo Dance Championships in Sheffield.

Of the seven skaters who took part in the competition, three returned as medal winners - including Burnley's Owen Foster.

The 15-year-old won silver in Basic Novice men category in a championship that attracted the 'cream of the crop' of young solo skaters.

And there was more success for the skaters who are coached by former Olympica Kathryn Hudson and her husband Keith.

Lily Matthias, aged 10, from Lytham struck gold in Juvenile Ladies while 15-year-old Dena Spencer from Penwortham won a silver in Advanced Novice Ladies.

The other four skaters who travelled to Yorkshire - Ellen Craggs, 17, and Jasmine Robinson, 16, who are both from Blackpool and Bolton pair Sofia Tymchyshyn,17, and Beatrice De Goede, 12 - all produced season best scores.

The Hudsons were delighted with the achievements of their skaters.

"Our skaters did really well at the championships," said Hudson, who represented Great Britain at the Winter Olympic Games in Albertville in 1992. "Myself and Keith couldn't have asked any more from our skaters and we are very proud of them.

"They all produced at least one seasons best score and all exceeded or equalled their ranking going in to the competition.

"When we went, the aim was to either get on the podium or achieve new personal best scores.

"Between them, all seven skaters did just that and I am delighted."

Meanwhile, Blackburn Arena will be holding another open audition for its recently launched Academy on Saturday from 4.45-6pm.

The aim is to try and unearth more home grown talent from across East Lancashire, just like Owen Foster.

The Arena is regarded as one of the best venues in the country with skaters regularly travelling from home and abroad to train there.

But currently there are very few skaters from East Lancashire, something head coach Kathryn Hudson is looking to rectify.

So she is looking to attract young skaters aged between three and six years-old to turn them in to the stars of the future.

“Blackburn Arena is a top class ice skating facility and and we attract skaters from across the country with some even moving from abroad to be based here,” added Hudson who heads up the coaching with husband Keith.

“But for one reason or another, we have very few competitive skaters from the East Lancashire area and that is something we need to rectify."

Hudson is hoping the Arena will be able to offer scholarships to skaters who are selected for the Academy.

“We want to make the sport more affordable and with it, more appealing.” she added. “So we are looking at the idea of starting up a scholarship to help with costs.”

Anyone interested in attending an open audition or want more information about the Academy, email Kathryn Hudson on khudsonicepro@btinternet.com