A Gravesend girl is bidding to become queen of the ice in a hit TV reality show.

The big freeze may have left many of us feeling blue, but it’s been the perfect preparation for Laura Hamilton's crack at Dancing On Ice 2011.

It looks set to be the next step on the career ladder for the former Dartford Grammar School for Girls pupil, who grew up in Meopham.

The children’s television presenter, who is also a regular on the panto circuit in Gravesham and Dartford, will compete against the likes of Kerry Katona, Angela Rippon and Vanilla Ice when the contest gets under way on Sunday, January 9.

And she is hoping her roots in Dartford and Gravesham will win her some votes from the boroughs’ residents.

For the full story see next week's Gravesend Messenger, out Thursday, December 30.