EAST LANCASHIRE figure skater Stacey Kemp begins her quest for Winter Olympics gold today.

The 25-year-old from Chorley will skate alongside partner David King, 29, for Great Britain in the new team event in Sochi.

Kemp and King, former Blackburn College students, will take to the ice at 5.24pm.

It is the second time that the eight-time British champions have competed at the Games having finished 16th in Vancouver four years ago.

The duo will also be taking part in the pairs competition next week but will first get the British team campaign underway.

And Kemp, who has recovered from injury to make the squad, admitted she is excited to get started.

Kemp said: “Our whole four years have been focused towards the Winter Olympics.

“We have sacrificed so much to get here and we feel so proud to have been selected.

“The buzz you get being part of Team GB, living in the Olympic Village and competing for your country is incredible.

“We can’t wait to get started now.”