A TEENAGER is skating to success as part of the England under-16s ice hockey team.

Steven Pritchard, 15, from Sacriston, followed in his cousin and brother's footsteps to take up ice hockey at the age of six.

After watching and playing games in Durham, he began travelling to Billingham when the city's ice rink closed.

The Framwellgate School pupil was put forward for regional, then national trials, and was selected for the England under-14s team.

He has since graduated to the national under-16s squad, and will compete in Canada on Boxing Day.

Steven plays for his Billingham club three nights a week, as well as playing each weekend. He said his ambition is to be a professional ice hockey player abroad.