A Deeside-based ice dancer has won silver at the Blackburn International Trophy, finishing second in the Junior Solo Ice Dance category against skaters from 15 nations.

Lily Bakhtiari, who trains and coaches at Deeside Ice Rink, scored a combined 161.30 points at the competition, which ran from 19 to 21 October.

Rink operator Gwella said the result adds to three British Junior Solo Ice Dance titles, won in 2024, 2025 and 2026, and four international gold medals.

Bakhtiari started skating at the age of seven and has come through the competitive ranks under ice dance coach Ryan Southan, who is also based at Deeside.

In April, she was one of four skaters from Deeside who competed at the British Solo Ice Dance Championships at Ice Sheffield, alongside Liza Dawson, Blake Cairns and Jaime Cliffe.

[Lily Bakhtiari and coach Ryan Southan]

Away from competition, Bakhtiari now works as an independent coach, teaching younger skaters at the rink.

Her coaching was recognised in November 2025, when she was named Young Coach of the Year at the British Ice Skating ICE Awards.

Gwella said the rink offers lessons and coaching for skaters of all abilities, from first sessions through to advanced coaching and competitive ice dance.

Christmas Ice Skating returns to Deeside on Saturday 21 November, with music, festive lighting and snowfall effects on the ice throughout the Christmas season.

Details are on the Gwella website.

Spotted something? Got a story? Email us at [email protected]