WIVENHOE'S Alexandra Appleby has been selected to take part in the International Skating Union World Synchronised Skating Championships in Sweden.

The talented Colchester Sixth Form College student will represent Senior Synchronised skating team Team Viola, who will compete for the National Ice Skating Association (NISA) and Great Britain at the event in Stockholm, in April.

It is a phenomenal achievement for Alex, who with no previous synchronised skating experience tried out with the team last Spring and was invited to become a member.

Her background is as a Singles Figure skater, taught by her Ice Professionals John Wicker and Jane Faux.

Alex, who trains at Riverside Ice and Leisure in Chelmsford, holds a NISA Level 10 Field Moves test pass and competes at Advanced Novice level in the UK and at Junior level abroad.

In less than a year, she has competed with the team at a number of national and international events, including last month's British Synchronised Skating Championships in Nottingham where the team finished first.

Most recently, the team finished third overall at the ISU Trophy D'Escosse after securing new PBs (personal bests) in both the short and free events.

Alex's brothers Elliot and Edward Appleby are preparing to represent NISA and Great Britain at the ISU Challenge Cup, which begin on Thursday.

They are entered into the Advanced Novice Mens Short and Free events.

The brothers train at Riverside Ice and Leisure, Chelmsford, where they are also Sports Ambassadors for Chelmsford City Council.