A HOWLEY woman has won a gold medal at the Paris 2018 Gay Games in ice skating.

Deborah Robinson, an assistant information officer at Warrington Borough Council, won the medal after competing this summer.

The event is open to all people and is about celebrating diversity, respect, equality and sharing.

It is held every four years with this year being the 10th anniversary.

Deborah, from Howley, won the gold medal in her first international competition.

Deborah decided to apply for a place at the games earlier this year and was fortunate to be accepted into the competition and represent Team GB in Paris.

The 36-year-old was one of six skaters representing Team GB’s skating team which had a very successful games, returning home with six golds and three silver medals between them.

Deborah said: “I started ice skating as a hobby, but it has become so much more over the past four years. I take part in figure skating, ice dance and synchronised skating and I’m currently working towards completing bronze level across all three.

"Since I started skating I’ve made lots of great friends and it’s an excellent way to keep fit. Ice skating is a really good sport for people of all ages and it’s an honour to share the ice with so many talented skaters every week. It’s been such an amazing journey so far and I’m looking forward to lots more skating achievements and adventures to come.”

Deborah is now focused on improving her skating skills and is hoping to be a competitor in the next games which will be held in Hong Kong in 2022.