POCKET dynamo skater Olivia Smith-Hughes is a world champion at the age of nine.

Her size may have meant she needed a lift on to the podium to collect her trophy but she proved on her event debut she is a giant in the rink in her category.

Fellow Warringtonian, 14-year-old Amy Nelson who also represented Great Britain with the Silverblades club in the World Open Inline Figure Skating Competition in Cork, Ireland, finished seventh at a higher level than when she took gold in last year’s event.

Olivia skated with confidence and brought out the fun side of her routine, which had the audience clapping along with ‘Jailhouse Rock’.

Amy demonstrated passion and speed, landed all her jumps and impressed the judges with a personal best score that was less than a point off a podium place.

Coach Donna McCarthy said: “Amy moved up a category after last year’s worlds and she tackled the new group with confidence and grace.

“I’m excited to get back to training and working on the judges’ feedback. I always thought Olivia would be a strong contender in her category. I am delighted that she won. She is a true champion.”

The pair were among 26 competing Silverblades UK Altrincham and Hemel Hempstead skaters.

Nearly 300 skaters from 18 countries took part at the Mardyke Arena over four days.

The team, aged seven to 20, brought back four gold medals, two silver and three bronze.