A Bury schoolgirl has won a prestigious skating title, adding to her growing collection of national awards.
Jessica Heyes ,15, competed in the GB Skate Artistic roller dance British Championships at Breydon Arena in Great Yarmouth in June.
The Elton High School student skated in her cadet age group performing and winning both her styledance and freedance sections, and therefore winning the overall title of Cadet Ladies Solo Dance British Champion 2023.
Jess began roller skating when she was aged four and trains four times a week with Bolton Artistic Roller Skating Club under the guidance of club founder and coach Nina Asquith.
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Jessica Heyes skates at the GB Skate Artistic roller dance British Championships in June (Image: Debbie Heyes)
Jess said: “I wanted to do well this year and my hard work has paid off.
“Training is becoming a bit harder now that I’m doing my GCSEs.
“I’m hoping to get selected for the European Championships.”
To reach her goal, Jessica trains for two hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and on weekends she coaches other up and coming skaters.
The latest success is Jessica’s fifth individual British Championship title and she has also won three couples dance championships titles.
Jess has also been regularly selected to skate for GB, having skated last year at the Europeans Championships in Andorra, Cup of Europe in Holland and just a few weeks ago at the World Skate International Series World Cup in Trieste, Italy.
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Jessica Heyes and her mum Debbie (Image: Debbie Heyes)
Following her recent championship win Jess is hopeful of receiving a future selection for the Great Britain squad.
Jessica is supported by her mum Debbie and Dad Andrew, who are “very proud” of what their daughter has achieved.
Debbie added: “I’m really proud of her she’s amazing, she always puts one hundred percent into the training.
“She works hard not just for herself and she helps others skaters at the club, she’s just brilliant.”
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