Teen skater wins silver medal in his first international event

Peter, who skates at iceSheffield, finished second place in the Novice Boys category at the Triglav Trophy, in Slovenia, with a score of

115.76.

The 14-year-old, from Wincobank, becomes the first iceSheffield skater to progress through the Skate UK programme and win a medal at international level.

He took up skating when the Attercliffe rink opened in 2003 and is now a member of iceSheffield's Academy of Excellence.

Peter Morrissey, ice development manager at iceSheffield said: "This is a brilliant result and just reward for all Peter's hard work and dedication.

"To win a medal in his first ever international is an incredible achievement. We are so proud of him and credit must also go to his coach Dawn Peckett.

"Peter is a fantastic young talent and it has been wonderful to see him progress from a complete novice on the Skate UK programme to representing his country at international level."

The Triglav Trophy is one of the final figure skating events on the International Skating Union calendar for the 2009/10 season.

Other skaters from iceSheffield taking part were Rachael Barley and Bethany Powell, who finished 21st and 25th respectively in the Novice Girls category.

Keith Horton, chief executive of NISA, the national governing body responsible for the development of ice skating, said: "We are delighted for Peter and thrilled to add another medal to our tally for the season.

"This result is yet more evidence of the great strides that our young skaters have made internationally."