SHINING star in the glittering world of figure skating says she one day hopes to reach the Olympics.

Laura Nicolaou-Jones, 12, was crowned a national champion last year and will defend her title at the Bracknell Open this week.

The student at Phoenix High School in Shepherd's Bush was inspired by watching the winter games when she was younger took up skating at her local rink in Bayswater.

She is coached by Stricly Come Dancing on Ice winner Zoia Birmingham, who is also helping to launch her career.

She said: “I want to get as far as figure skating can take me. One day I will hopefully train for the Olympics, that would be my ultimate dream.”

Her parents, Pam Nicolaou, a child-minder and Rob Jones, events manager for Hammersmith and Fulham Council, say they will support her if she is willing to put in the hard work. Ms Nicolaou said: “Laura tried all kinds of activities but just took to skating really quickly.”

Energetic Laura, who is constantly dancing and working out new routines according to her mother, is the youngest of four siblings and lives in Bloemfontein Avenue, Sheperd's Bush. Her sisters, Naomi, 18 and Elleanne, 13 started figure skating at the same time as Laura, but weren't prepared for the early mornings and extra work the sport entails.

The bubbly performer, of Bloemfontein Avenue, Shepherd's Bush, will glide through the routine she has been working on at the Bracknell Open from April 24 to 29.

Her mother said: “Laura is a natural performer, and doesn't let her nerves show during a competition. She loves everything about figure skating, putting on make-up, the costumes and the music.”

Laura trains twice a week at the Queensway Skating Club, Bayswater and has just as much input in her routines as her coach, who won the BBC1 show with David Seaman. A grant from Hammersmith and Fulham council last year helps her compete at a national level.

After picking up complicated moves quickly Laura says she enjoys the sport more and more as she improves. She added: “It is not just about dancing, you can never do enough and you can always get better.”

ENDS