ICE SKATING: TEENAGE prodigy Sophie Johnson is back from ice skating success with Great Britain.
The Chester-born youngster, 14, finished sixth in the individual novice ladies competition to help the six-strong squad to an overall finish of fourth in the Mladost Trophy in Zagreb, Croatia.
It was the third time Sophie has competed for Britain inter-nationally, after previous trips to Slovenia and Croatia.
And mum Lisa reckons her performance ranks as one her finest to date.
Lisa said: 'She was very pleased because it was such a difficult competition.
'Great Britain had six skaters in their squad, whereas a team like Canada had 55. So everyone was really proud with how they did.
'Going away to competitions is great for Sophie as she can see how skaters from other countries perform. She really looks forward to competing for Great Britain.'
The Hawarden High School pupil, who was crowned British Primary Ladies Figure Skating champion at last year's national championships in Nottingham, now has her eyes on more titles.
But her mum says her daughter's success can sometimes come at a financial cost.
Sophie is under the tutelage of former European and Olympic competitor Kathryn Hudson at the Blackburn Ice Arena, where she travels up to four times a week.
So Lisa says the help her daughter was given by Asda in Queensferry - who provided her with a whole host of goods to take to Croatia - proved invaluable.
She said: 'It was a lovely gesture by Asda and one we really appreciate. It costs a lot of money for training and competing so we welcome any help we can get.'
