by Keyan Milanian

A teenager skater from Wigmore, near Rainham, will head to eastern Europe with her dance partner to represent Great Britain in an international competition.

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Jones, a Rainham School for Girls A level pupil of Springvale has been strapping on her skates since the age of two.

She will travel to Belarus with dance partner, 18-year-old Richard Sharp, from Chelmsford, for the International Skating Union’s (ISU) Junior Grand Prix.

She said: “I’m really excited about it, we went to the youth games in Poland in February and it was a massive achievement and a great experience, this will probably be the second biggest competition we have been in.”

Sophie and Richard will be pitted against 17 other couples at the competition being held in Minsk, starting on September 23.

The pair met at a ice dancing competition three years ago and have been skating together ever since, recently being chosen by the ISU.

Sophie’s parents trained the pair having both grown up as ice skaters.

Sophie’s father Gary Jones trained 2005-07 British champion John Hamer.

Sharon Jones, Sophie’s mother, said: “She has always loved skating and this has always been one of her goals, to represent Great Britain.

“She wants, eventually, to skate as a professional.”

Although the dance couple had been training once or twice a week they are now going to Gillingham Ice Bowl, in Ambley Rd, Gillingham Business Park, four or five times a week in preparation for the competition.

But Sophie said she could never get bored of the sport she loves, she said: “I enjoy it so much, if it was a chore I would not be doing it now.

“I have just started back at school and sometimes I end up taking my homework to the rink.”