Harefield Academy student Daniella Alessi is determined to set a new British Solo Dance record in memory of her beloved grandfather.

The 15 year old has been training hard for the National Ice Skating Association British Solo Dance Championships, which begin in Sheffield on Monday, and where she is hoping to land a record third successive title.

But her preparations have been affected by the sad death last month of her grandfather, Ken Murray, from motor neurone disease.

Mum Lisa Alessi said: “It's been a rocky road losing her granddad as they were really close. It's been hard because he loved her skating and was always very supportive of Daniella.

“But the skating has kept her focused, and she has kept training throughout. If she can handle it, winning another British record will be the best possible tribute to her granddad, as it's what he would have wanted.”

Alessi, who travels all the way to Streatham six days a week to be trained by world champion coach Elizabeth Coates, will become the first skater to triumph three years in a row if she comes up trumps again in Sheffield.

Welsh wonder: Alessi on the podium after winning the Welsh Senior Chalmpionships

The Denham teenager qualified in first place for this year's U29 competition having won the U16s title as a 13 year old two years ago, and the U19s as a 14 year old last year, but mum Lisa is taking nothing for granted.

She added: “Sometimes it's just about skating right on the day really.”

Alessi will be one of more than 110 ice skaters from across the country competing at the five-day event in categories including juvenile, basic novice, advanced novice, junior and senior.

Although her senior events are not until next Thursday and Friday, she will travel up to Yorkshire on Tuesday to watch some of her friends in action.

Despite only turning 15 this month, Alessi is no stranger to competing at U29 level, having won that age group at the Welsh Championships back in April to become senior Welsh champion.

For more information, including the event timetable and list of competitors, visit the NISA website: www.iceskating.org.uk