A SYNCHRONISED skating team with strong Island connections has won several medals in two top ranking competitions.

Solent Synchro, based at Gosport Ice Rink and comprising skaters from across the Isle of Wight, sponsored by Wightlink, and South Hampshire, has made a strong start to the competition season.

They took part in two recent events — Skate London and the Trophy D’Ecosse, in Dumfries, Scotland.

Solent Storm, in the ISU Junior category, won bronze medals in both competitions, with their new short and free skating programmes.

(Image: Ian Cheesman)

(Image: Ian Cheesman) Solent Horizon (advanced adult) and Solent Sunrise (adult) also took home bronze, at Skate London.

The team is made up of skaters from the Island, who travel to the mainland to train from as early as 4.45am and as late as 10.30pm.

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Solent Synchro’s other teams, Droplets (juvenile), Splash (beginner), Riptide (pre-mixed age) and Waves (basic novice) also all scored personal bests, and won medals, in their first competition of the season — the Trophy D’Ecosse — armed with brand new and dynamic routines.

Solent Synchro coach said: "Personal best scores and medals in every skate is the reward for such dedication."

"All teams are training hard over the Christmas and New Year period, ahead of the British Championships at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham in January."