A TALENTED Saltcoats schoolgirl has secured a place to train at national level in figure skating.

Eight-year-old Nicole Brennan has been chosen to be on Team GB in the British Development Squad.

Nicole qualified for the opportunity after reaching the standard approved by British Ice Skating.

As part of the British Development Squad, she will take part in a number of training camps in Sheffield alongside other GB figure skaters.

The Glencairn Primary pupil was also selected this year for the British Development Young Stars, which offers talented young hopefuls the opportunity to hone their skills on the ice.

Dedicated Nicole trains five times a week and is coached by Gillian and Suzanne Otterson at Kyle Figure Skating Club in Ayr.

Proud mum Siobhan said that there are just a “small handful” of kids Nicole’s age who make the British Development Squad every year.

Siobhan said: “Nicole’s absolutely delighted, it’s a great opportunity for her.

“To qualify for British Development Squad, she had to be at a certain level at that age, be able to do double jumps and a variety of different spins.

“With being on the British Development Squad she will attend a number of training camps throughout the year in Sheffield and she hopes to qualify for next year’s British Championship.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. It’s such a wonderful opportunity for her, especially because she really wants to do it. She loves it.”