SOUTH Woodham Ferrers Rollerspeed skating club took part in the Indoor International Speed Skating Tournament in Evergem, Belgium, and emerged with a trophy.

Team member Ellie Mullins, 10, from South Woodham Ferrers, contested four races and won overall third place in her group at the tournament, winning acclaim as one of the best young skaters in Europe.

Other team members at the races were Harry Hoare, Conor Mullins, Louise Sullivan, Hannah Bye, Taylor Scott, Maya Bathgate and Albert Bishop.

All the skaters fared well in the competition and most finished in the top ten of their heats.

Club chairman Alan Moore, said the performances were thanks to the competitors’ motivation and training.

“The winter training programme they have done has been quite successful, because we brought off a third place the practise has obviously paid off,” he said.

“We’re planning to go to Rouen in April, which will be our first outdoor event of the year, where we’re hoping that more children will bring back a medal as well.”