Ice skating 'stars' glide to victory in competition

Harry, who won a gold medal at the competition, dressed as a Ghostbuster

Minions, Ghostbusters and Elphaba from Wicked were among the "stars" taking part in an ice skating competition.

There were 40 skaters of all ages and abilities who took to the ice dressed as their favourite characters and performed to well-known soundtracks at CineBowl in Uttoxeter, in Staffordshire.

The event was part of a nationwide artistic ice skating competition being held across Planet Ice arenas. The winners from each of the 11 categories will go on to compete in the final in Milton Keynes later this month.

Adult competitor Jasmyn Kaur, who won gold in the duo category dressed as an air hostess, said: "I thought it would be such a fun number to do," she said.

The duo performed to the 2007 Eurovision song Flying the Flag (For You) by Scooch.

"The audience was cheering for us; it was brilliant, and we're really excited to perform the routine again in Milton Keynes," she said.

Ms Kaur, who restarted skating 18 months ago, added: "I was inspired to learn figure skating after seeing Johnny Weir's appearance on Dancing on Ice.

"He's always been my favourite figure skater, and although I'd always been able to skate, I decided to take the leap into learning properly after seeing him perform. I'm so glad I did."

Jasmyn Kaur and her partner won gold in the duo category

Head judge, actress and comedienne, Karina Essery, said: "Everyone was of an incredible standard, and every skater brought their very best.

"It was very hard to choose winners because all the ideas were so creative, and all the skaters should be so proud of themselves.

"What makes Uttoxeter ice rink special is the support everyone shows for each other; it's fantastic to see and be a part of. It's an ice rink with a big heart."

The competition involved figure skating while embracing a love of costumes

General manager of the ice rink, Liz Howe, said: "Everyone was fantastic and it's what skating here is all about - having fun, building friendships and enjoying new experiences.

"It means a lot to us to watch our skaters' confidence grow - children and adults - and that's also thanks to our brilliant team of coaches.

"We know the finalists who will be representing the rink at Milton Keynes will make Team Uttoxeter proud."

Despicable Me, Wicked and Eurovision entry Scooch were the inspiration for these skaters