A COACH to England's future ice stars claims Blackburn Arena is now the most successful rink in Britain following no less than six-trophy winning performances by young skaters.

So many national triumphs puts the Olympic-sized Arena in a unique position as five of the six now hold gold and are officially the best young skaters in Britain.

Arena coach Joy Sutcliffe can also claim a personal record as the first coach to train both number one seniors at the same time.

Alan Street (18) and Zoe Jones (20) each took the British Senior Mens and Womens Championships at the National Ice Skating Associations finals held at the Centrum Stadium in Ayr, Scotland. Joy also trains Matthew Wilkinson (15), who won the Primary Men's contest.

Fellow coaches Stephen Pickavance and Karen Barber can also claim glory. Stephens protg Danielle Guppy (15) took the Junior Ladies Trophy , while Karen's duo of David Davies and Chloe Millard claimed the Primary Dance title.

Ex-Blackburn Arena trainees Pamela OConnor and Jonathan ODoherty, now being coached abroad, took third in the Senior Dance category.

Joy says it is almost as good as winning yourself: "When I started coaching at 18, I still wanted to be in competition myself, but also wanted to start a family and put down roots.

"With this success, I have got the best of both worlds. I share every move they make out there and feel like I am part of it. My experience is helping three people achieve their dreams. That is a real reward.

"Other coaches have been asking us: What do you put in the water at Blackburn? I say it isn't what we put in the water, its the hours and the heart we put in on the ice and with the facilities available at Blackburn Arena behind us, we can only go on."

Alan and Zoe are now looking towards international qualifying competition in Bratislava in February, while Danielle prepares to be assessed for the Junior World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Pictured, f rom left, are David, Matthew, Chloe, Alan and Zoe with their trophies.