YOUNG Tottington skier Ethan Heyes kept a cool head, as well as his feet, when he raced to second spot in top regional contest.

The nine-year-old, who was representing Tottington Primary School, clocked 16.22 seconds in the best of his two runs in the downhill dry ski slope slalom at the North West Ski Federation’s Schools Race.

Proud father Garry said: “Ethan was second to the winner who was a boy aged 11. He was taking part in the junior category for those aged seven to 11.”

The event, which featured 186 skiers representing schools all over the North West, was held at Pendle Ski Club, and Ethan was placed in a credible 27th position overall.

The schoolboy, of Hilltop Drive, has been skiing since the age of three and has already achieved success. He is a member of the Ski Rossendale Race Club and is coached by Gordon Wellens and Mike Hopkins.

The youngster could follow in their footsteps. His dad added: “Ethan trains very hard. He wants to coach when he grows older.”