VIDEO: Skaters glide to success at national contest at Bradford Ice Arena

The 2016 IJS Open Free Skating Competition is being held at the rink over three days, with more than 350 competitors, including a large number from Bradford, taking part across a number of different categories.

The event has been organised by Bradford Ice Skating Club, and club chairman Charlotte Bourke said that the competition has been fantastic.

She said: "It has been a really busy few days and there has been a real buzz around the rink, the standard of skating has been good too."

Madison Locks competes in the Open Free Skating Competition

The competition is open to young skaters of all abilities, with different levels of ability ranging from beginner to level ten with 29 different trophies up for grabs.

"We have over 350 skaters taking part from all over the country, including some from Ireland, Scotland and Wales."

Over the last two years entry numbers have doubled and due to high demand the skating club is looking to extend the competition to four or five days.

Mrs Bourke said this year's competition was a "full house" with hundreds of skaters having to be turned away.

The competition has ran from 7.30am until 7.30pm each day to ensure every skater gets their chance on the ice.

"The event is going from strength-to-strength, which is good for ice skating, good for Bradford and good for Yorkshire."

Taylor Mooney competes in the Open Free Skating Competition

Nicola Griffith, who has been a coach at Bradford Ice Skating Club for 23 years, said: "We have a new International Judging System which the kids can test themselves against and see how they can improve.

Mrs Bourke also said that it could be possible that the next Torvill and Dean may have taken to the ice over the past couple of days.

"There probably will be skaters here who are in the regional development squad and in the Great Britain squad, and a lot are either already at that level or getting there; a lot of them also do holiday shows on ice and stuff like that."

Violet Clarey competes in the Open Free Skating Competition

Mark Williams, whose 11-year-old daughter competed in the Level 2 under 12 cup, said: "I think all every one of the kids who come her want to represent Great Britain.

"My daughter has been skating for seven years and has already advanced a level in this competition, she likes the confidence it gives her as well as the friendships, physical fitness and of course the dresses she gets to wear."

Holly Shenton competes in the Open Free Skating Competition

Caitlin Bourke, 14, of the Bradford club, competed in the Level 4 girls trophy, and said she enjoys the competitions because she gets the opportunity to have the ice to herself.

She said: "It helps me improve and get more experience and I know what to do when I'm practising to get better.

"It's good having ice skating in Bradford because people have somewhere to spend their time rather than just ending up on the streets; it keeps kids out of trouble."

The competition continues until tomorrow night.