On international stage

Stalham High School pupil Emily Grapes has just returned from representing Great Britain in a roller skating competition in Italy.The 12-year-old took part in the Pieris International Solo Dance competition in Trieste, competing against youngsters from all over Europe.

Stalham High School pupil Emily Grapes has just returned from representing Great Britain in a roller skating competition in Italy.

The 12-year-old took part in the Pieris International Solo Dance competition in Trieste, competing against youngsters from all over Europe. And although she came in the bottom half of her group, she was upbeat.

'It was a harder group as I had to move up because of my age this year. And at least I can tell people that I have represented Great Britain,' she said.

Emily started skating when she was small after trying it at the Dragon's Summer School held at Stalham High. She currently skates at the North Walsham Roller Skating Club under trainer Victoria Brown.

And she is no stranger to success. Emily, from Ingham, took part in the event three years ago in Paris, coming fourth in her age group.

This year she performed three dances - The Tudor Waltz, the Federation Foxtrot, plus an original set pattern, the Samba.

Emily has also twice been the British Champion for Figure Roller Skating, most recently, last year.