Skaters from across the country flocked to east London this week for the Lee Valley Synchronised Skating Championships.

The event, which many teams used as preparation for the British Championships in January, took place in Lee Valley Ice Centre in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton.

The ice rink reopened in September after undergoing a £500,000 refurbishment.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Cydney Welch and Emma Watson-Field, members of Lee Valley’s juvenile team Supernova with their prize. Photo Events Ltd.

Five resident teams of skaters aged between seven years old and over 70 competed on Monday, November 6, with three squads winning top prizes.

Lee Valley’s preliminary team Phoenix beat Sheffield’s Amici and Altrincham’s Altair teams while the Lee Valley’s Aura won the mixed age category.

Lee Valley’s Supernova team scooped first prize in the Juvenile solo competition.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The winning team Lee Valley’s Phoenix performing. Photo Events Ltd.

There was also a special achievement award for the UK’s only special needs synchronised team, Slough’s Team SPICE.

Alan Seabrook, general manager at Vibrant Partnerships said: “This year’s event has been our best ever, with lots of impressive performances from Lee Valley’s home teams as well as the extraordinary routines executed by the visiting teams.

“We were also honoured to welcome Team SPICE to Lee Valley.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The UK’s only special needs synchronised skating team SPICE with their trophies. Photo Events Ltd.

“Their performance was a great example of how ice skating can be accessible to all, regardless of ability or impairment.”