SKATERS are surging on to the ice in Inverclyde - inspired by a top TV show and local sensation Angela Egan.

Kayleigh Munro, who is the Waterfront Leisure Centre's ice skating co-ordinator, says that there has been a boom in adults joining Inverclyde Leisure's skate school since the current ITV Dancing On Ice series began.

The success of Greenock-born professional skater Angela Egan had also played a part in inspiring locals to take to the ice.

Angela, who was recently eliminated from the show alongside her celebrity partner Mark 'Bez' Barry of the Happy Mondays, is a former champion of the programme.

While the new members won't be able to perform the same stunts as Angela, the skate school aims to give them a grounding in the basics.

Coaches at the Waterfront say they have noticed a steady stream of new faces coming along to the adult classes on Saturday mornings.

Kayleigh told the Tele that it was great to see such enthusiasm for the sport after a long pandemic period.

She said: "We've seen a lot of new members coming along since Dancing on Ice returned, in fact it's the busiest we've been in a while.

"Angela's success on the show has been inspiring a lot of people.

"Inverclyde seems to have skating on the brain and we're happy to support anyone who wants to take part.

"We had a lot of success with our Christmas show last year, which was performed by our skating club members.

"Now we are looking forward to our internal competitions in May and June.

"Those ones will be open to everyone, so hopefully some of our new adult members will take part.

"After the last few years it's so good to see skating growing again in Inverclyde."