ICE SKATING: TWO Whitby sisters have been skating their way to success by claiming tournament successes in their respective disciplines.

Naomi Hitchmough, 16, has booked a place in the British Ice Dance Championship finals alongside partner Owen Edwards, 15, in their first year of junior competition after winning their qualifying tournament in Slough last week.

Meanwhile, her free-skating younger sister Bethany, 12, has also produced a couple of medal-winning performances by finishing runner-up in the Deeside Open and third in the Telford Open.

Both girls go to Ellesmere Port Catholic High School but Naomi has just finished her GCSEs and is hoping to study Sports Science at West Cheshire College in September.

Naomi and Owen, from Gresford, booked their place in December's national finals by performing the Viennese Waltz and a jazz jive tune.

When they reach the finals they will have to do one of the four compulsory pieces they are currently learning while their own display will be to All That Jazz from the musical Chicago.

Naomi's ambition is to skate for Great Britain in the Winter Olympics and she would also like to go into coaching.

Bethany, who is coached by Hayley Pardo, and hopes to take part in the British Novice Championships later this year, secured her medals by producing double jumps, including a cherry loop, and a flying camel spin.

But despite both girls' success, mum Sharon Hitchmough is desperate to find more sponsors to help her daughters.

She said: 'They're doing so well but it's hard to to fund them as they've got to travel around the country to take part in various competitions.

'I have to pay £120-a-week coaching fees just so they can train. I would be very grateful if anyone could help us out, even if it's just providing costumes.'

* If you can help Sharon with sponsorship, call her on 0151 513 5444 or contact Christopher Beesley at the Pioneer on 0151 356 2494.