PLANET Ice is will start the search again for a budding ice skating star as they launch this year’s Skating Stars competition this weekend, which this year has been extended to include adult skaters.

After the success of last year’s competition, the hunt is on for young and older skaters alike to take part in the six week ‘Skate Excellence’ learn to skate programme.

Ten-year-old Milly Alexander -Stiff was crowned the winner of Skating Stars 2015, before going on to skate in the national Professionals On Ice show live in Basingstoke and this year they are looking for an adult skating star to feature in the fantastic program alongside the juniors.

The Basingstoke Arena will open its doors this Saturday and Sunday from midday to 1.30pm to select 15 youngsters aged between the age of six and 16, as well as 10 adults aged 17 and above.

Under the watchful eye of skate excellence coaches you can try out for a place among 25 contestants to undergo a six week ‘Skate Excellence’ Learn to Skate programme.

After 6 weeks, those that show the biggest commitment and improvement will be asked to continue the training before just five youngsters and five adults will enter into a finals show at the rink in the summer.

The winner from both categories will go on to star in a special gala at Christmas time and also win a fantastic set of skates plus an unlimited ice skating pass for a year. All runners-up will receive six weeks of additional Skate Excellence lessons.

Basingstoke Arena manager Anita Curtis said: “Having seen the success of last year’s initiative and the journey the candidates went on last year was amazing, three of the final five now skate at a high level and have come so far since they joined Skating Stars.”

For more information go to planet-ice.co.uk and fill out the application form, applications need to be in by 5pm on Friday to guarantee an opportunity at the selection process.