AN ICE skating coach has been left heartbroken after having to end her work at a Flintshire leisure centre.

Mum-of-two Penny Hebden-Jacks has taught pupils to skate at Deeside Ice Rink for 30 years.

She worked with learners both on behalf of Aura Leisure and Libraries (and Flintshire Council prior to the formation of Aura) and delivered private lessons at the facility.

But Mrs Hebden-Jacks, aged 53 and of Mold, told the Leader that to her complete astonishment she was handed a letter giving her four weeks notice until the termination of her agreement with the centre - meaning she can no longer teach there for Aura or privately.

Following her last day in post, July 3, she has been looking for alternative arrangements and rinks for the private pupils who wish to stay with her.

But the nearest options she has found are up to 50 miles away.

Mrs Hebden-Jacks, who taught gymnast Beth Tweddle prior to her win on Dancing On Ice as well as rugby star Gareth Thomas, explained: "To be just handed a letter like that after 30 years, I think I'm still in shock.

"I was a full time coach. I paid £360 a month to teach privately there and I had 40 pupils who were using the other facilities there as well.

"I just don't understand the logic. It doesn't make economic sense unless it is a personal attack against myself, which I can only think it is because nobody else was affected.

"But I have done nothing wrong. I am absolutely disgusted."

Mrs Hebden-Jacks, who began skating aged six following a heart operation and became a coach when she was about 20, said she did not feel she had been given a satisfactory reason for the termination and called on Aura's board to provide one.

She told the Leader she turned to Delyn MP David Hanson for support and with his help she was told the firm had been 'restructuring its contractors'.

"David Hanson has been very supportive," she explained.

"To say I was shocked and gobsmacked and heartbroken is an understatement to say the least.

"It's been very upsetting and it has affected my health quite badly.

"I feel like I'm running on empty and I have very low energy levels.

"At the moment I am just trying to find out what I can do.

"I may have to travel to Altrincham or Widnes, which is not fair on my pupils. Some can't travel it and have just given up."

During her career in ice skating, Mrs Hebden-Jacks has competed nationally and internationally - as well as performing in the show Holiday on Ice.

David Hanson MP said: “My constituent has been in contact with my about their case and requested that I follow up with the employers involved.

"I have raised my constituent's concerns and will continue to work with all parties involved to press for a resolution.”

An Aura Leisure and Libraries spokesman said: "Aura is committed to reviewing all contractors who provide products and services to Deeside Leisure Centre.

"With this particular matter we had the right to cancel the contract of services and we exercised that right."