A Mansfield ice skater is appealing for sponsorship and support from local business as he continues to develop his international career.

Joshua Tarry, 18, who started skating as a nine-year-old at the Lammas Leisure Centre, Sutton, is currently training in Canada with his ice dance partner Erin Gillies, 18.

Already they have had success in their first season together, gaining a placing at the Canadian National Championships, third place in their first British qualifying competition being selected to represent Great Britain at a Junior Grand Prix in Riga.

Joshua, who has a British Champion title in ice dance, said: “I am very proud to represent my country.

“Unfortunately, there is no funding available from the (sport’s) governing body until Olympic level.

“No funding from the governing body, or major sponsorships for figure skating means very little ice time for training in the UK.

“So we train in Canada at the acclaimed Mariposa School of Skating.

“The cost for training and competitions is expensive and we are hoping to find a sponsor for continued help.”

After starting skating at the Lammas rink, Joshua, a former pupil at the Joseph Whitaker School, Rainworth, was selected to join the prestigious Torvill and Dean Dance Academy at Nottingham Ice Centre.

Together with his first dance partner, Ellie O’Connell, they featured in the CBBC Ice Stars programme and were known as Team Jellie.

Joshua and Erin have set up a GoFundMe page for anyone who wants to help. Go to www.gofundme.com/support-for-ice-dance-couple