TALENTED young skaters took home 17 medals at a national championship.

The youngsters from Team South Woodham Ferrers were crowned national relay champions and took a national individual title at this year’s In-line Speed Skating Outdoor British Championships.

The team, consisting of many children from Maldon, were successful in a host of categories, earning podium places and five gold medals in the competition.

Danielle Bennett, from Team South Woodham Ferrers, said: “The medals kept coming, along with exciting photo finishes and impressive performances, with Sophie Cook taking home a further gold and two bronze medals, Sophie Debenham two golds and a silver, new member Isabelle Judge a bronze, Jessica Markey a gold and two silvers, and Elijah Lloyd a bronze.

“The weekend’s racing finished with the Relay team event, with Team SWF representing two of the teams.

“The team of Isabelle Judge, Sophie Cook and Sophie Debenham took home gold and the team of Jessica Markey, Presley Hughes and new member Rebecca Vale the silver, with both teams showing impressive change overs and team work.”