MEMBERS of a newly formed roller skating club are gearing up for their first competition next month.

Spectrum Roller Skating Club, based in Willington, was founded in April 2014 by former skater Tracy Stevens, who started skating when she was six years old and was trained by former British Champion, Ian Watkins.

The group train weekly at Spectrum Leisure, Willington and at Sunnydale leisure centre, Shildon, and their first competition will take place Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12.

Miss Stevens said: "Our team of 10 skaters have been training very hard and will be competing in newcomer, individual and team events. I am really proud that we have been able to get to this point.

"I'm so pleased to be encouraging such a broad range of people to take part in sport and the qualities of artistic roller skating often appeals to youngsters some of whom would not usually engage in sports.

Assistant coach Nicola Stevens added: "We are really excited to go to our first competition, to have fun, to watch others and to learn from the experience."

For more information contact Miss Stevens on 07891-461958 or search Spectrum Roller Skating Club on Facebook.