SKATER girls from Notre Dame swept to success at a major competition

Talented pair Hannah Gallacher and Kara Best, who attend the Waterfront Ice Skating Club, came first and second in different categories at a prestigious open ice skating figure championship last month.

Hannah, 14, who is in third year, and second year Kara, 13, have both been skating for seven years - but this is the first time they've tasted success at the same event.

Hannah said: "I like everything about ice skating. It's hard to explain - I just love it."

She was delighted to take first place in Dundee with a personal best score.

Her mum Ann, 47, said: "What the girls do takes a lot of hard work. Hannah does stretches for an hour before she goes to the rink.

"They support each other, even of they are competing against each other.

"The sport teaches them discipline and that if they world hard they will achieve things."

Kara said: "It gives you confidence elsewhere when you do well on the ice."

The youngsters also performed well at Skate Ayrshire 2018 earlier this month.

Kara came first in the ladies age 13 and over, receiving the highest technical score and a personal best, while Hannah took third place.

Her mum Loren, 33, said her daughter has impressed everyone after only starting to compete in 2016.

She said: "She's had lots of success these past two years."

Kara also does four dance classes and trains on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and twice on a Sunday.

She would like to thank her coach Nicola Ferguson and club coach Kayleigh Munro.

Loren added: "They both work so hard for their club."

The mums would also like to thank Notre Dame for all their support.

Depute head Michelle Liddell said: "We are very proud of all their achievements.

"Extra-curricular activities are very important for academic success. It helps pupils to gain new skills and discipline which can be applied to help their learning."