BASINGSTOKE'S synchronised skating teams, Ice Age and Snowdrops, brought home impressive results from the prestigious Steel City Trophy in Sheffield earlier this month.

The international competition attracts teams from across Europe, Canada, New Zealand, making it a true test of skill.

Both Ice Age and Snowdrops capped off their 2023-24 season with personal bests.

Snowdrops secured a phenomenal fourth place finish in the Juvenile section, while Ice Age placed a very respectable sixth out of 16 teams in the adult category.

READ MORE: 'My whole world is ice skating': Skaters plea for ice rink to stay in Basingstoke

Basingstoke Gazette: Snowdrops and Ice Age are coached by Fiona Harris, Nadia Smith, and Imogen Mogg.

These achievements are even more remarkable considering the uncertain future faced by the Basingstoke synchronised skating programme due to the poor state of the Planet Ice facilities.

Their training ground, the Planet Ice arena, which is more than 30-years-old, faces an uncertain future, adding an extra layer of challenge for the skaters who range in age from six to 73.

SEE ALSO: Investigation launched as council passes motion to take steps to revive ice rink

Meanwhile, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have agreed to launch an independent investigation to examine the events that led to the poor condition of the borough’s ice rink.

It aims to address the longstanding grievances surrounding the management of Basingstoke Ice Rink, which is owned by Standard Securities Ltd and operated by Planet Ice (Basingstoke) Ltd.

Besides the inquiry and plans for the temporary rink, it has been proposed to outline steps to prevent similar failures in the future, arrange a meeting to understand the minimum standards for the safe continuation of sports, and seek legal advice to hold the leaseholder accountable for the repairs of the facility.