TWO skaters from the Ely Artistic Roller Skating Club are aiming for future international glory after encouraging performances in the European Championships. Helen Grey and Michelle Housden have figured highly in domestic championships already this season

TWO skaters from the Ely Artistic Roller Skating Club are aiming for future international glory after encouraging performances in the European Championships.

Helen Grey and Michelle Housden have figured highly in domestic championships already this season.

Michelle, 17, from Stretham was crowned figures champion in the British Championships, at Haywards Heath, last month.

And Helen, 23, from Witchford, finished a creditable fourth in the senior free skating category.

These results earned them a place in the European Championships, held in Bordeaux, last week, and both skaters showed great promise against some of the best competitors in the world.

Michelle finished seventh in the junior ladies compulsory figures and Helen finished 16th in the senior ladies' free.

Both skaters are trained by Ely and national coach Paul McIlhone and are now setting their sights on other major championships.

Helen, who made history last year as the first senior free skater from Ely to compete at European level, has now been selected for the World Championships, which will be held in Australia in November.

And having experienced competition in Bordeaux, Michelle is now training hard with a view to retaining her British title and gaining selection for next year's European and World Championships.

Ely Artistic Roller Skating Club welcomes skaters of all experience levels.

The club trains at Ely's Paradise Sports Centre every Saturday afternoon.