IT started off as an invitation to a school friend’s birthday party but now, 10 years later, Faye Hammer is a British Championship ice skating medal winner.

She was just eight-years-old when, along with big sister Grace, they headed along to Blackburn Arena for an ice skating party - something a little bit different to the usual pass the parcel at the local community hall.

The Hammer girls were hooked and mum Julie took them along to learn to skate sessions at the Arena just to test the water - or should that be ice.

Coaching lessons followed and both thrived under the guidance of former British champion and Dancing on Ice judge Karen Barber.

But while Grace’s interest slowly began to fade within 12 months or so, Faye was as committed as ever and went on to prove herself to be a very good young figure skater.

Under the tutelage of Barber and then Stephen Pickervance, Faye was a podium regular at figure skating competitions from Scotland to Northern Ireland.

But Faye, now 18, knew her limits in figure skating and decided to do something about it.

While her jumps ultimately proved to be her stumbling block, it was a leap in to the unknown that would catapult Faye in to one of the best young skaters in the country.

Whisper it quietly, but Faye has been talked about as a possible future Olympian.

The former Westholme pupil swapped figure skating for ice dance two years ago and teamed up with new coach Amanda Galloway.

The results were almost instant and now she has won a silver medal at the British Solo Dance Championships.

“Faye was a very good figure skater but she knew she took it as far as she could go,” added mum Julie whose own skating skills are limited to ‘getting around’ Blackburn Arena.

“She won a lot of medals and trophies and was often on the podium at the open events she took part in. But she never got to compete in national championships.

“Faye was a very good jumper but wasn’t quite consistent enough to get to the very top and that is when she made the big decision to swap to ice dance.”

ABOVE: Watch of clip of Faye skating

When Faye made the jump, it was almost as if she had to learn all over again - but she came on in leaps and bounds.

“It was difficult because she had to pass certain tests and grades just to be able to compete at a certain level,” added Julie. “But in the end the decision to change paid off.”

Faye is no stranger to having to make tough decisions.

Even as a youngster at Westholme she had to opt out of two of three sports given her all-round ability to shine.

“Faye was a very good swimmer and runner. She also played violin in the school orchestra, For a while she good combine all three but when she began to become a good skater she had to make the decision to concentrate on just the one sport.”

She also has another one looming around the corner.

For the straight A student has some big decisions to make in the not too distant future - follow her skating dream or continue with her education.

Faye has been offered a place at Edinburgh University to study an engineering degree. There is also talk of her teaming up with a partner and going in to pairs skating.

The smart money is a combination of both - it’s no coincidence that she has chosen Edinburgh University because of the city’s fine ice skating facilities.

“When we were looking at different universities, an ice skating rink in the city was one of the criteria,” said mum Julie. “Faye knows just how important her studies are and I am sure she will make the right decision.”

Coach Galloway believes Faye can combine her studies with her skating and also insists the talented skater has what it takes to go to the very top.

“Faye could compete in future World Championships and Olympic Games if she wanted to,” said Galloway who herself competed in the Youth Olympics and rose to fifth in the country as a skater. “She has the talent, the passion and commitment to go all the way.

“She only made the switch two years ago and now she has won a silver medal at the British Solo Dance Championships but that has been down to her sheer hard work. Faye is a quick learner and a joy to work with.

Galloway was in a similar position as Faye when it came to choosing between skating and her studies but believes “I had to make the decision and at the time I picked skating. I think Faye is in a good position where she can combine both. There is a very good ice skating venue in Edinburgh and there is no reason why she can’t do both.”

Much will depend on Faye finding her skating partner to elevate her to the next level.

“Faye will be having a try out with a skater from Nottingham,” added Galloway. “It is very early days as they have to see if they can work together and they are compatible. But if they are, then the next thing will be working towards the British Championships.”

But Faye has her feet firmly on the ground. She remains very level headed about what she has achieved – and what she can achieve.

“I was really happy with my performance. I finished seventh last year but I have worked really hard so to win a silver medal is very pleasing. I am hoping to carry on skating and combine it with my studies when I move to University in Edinburgh.

“I would love to compete in a Winter Olympic Games, that is the pinnacle for any skater so we will have to see what happens.”

Whatever does happen, the Winter Olympics is certainly a far cry from an ice skating birthday party.