Laura Bird can become the first world-class figure skater from Britain to make the Winter Olympics.

That is the view of Joanne Conway, who twice skated at the Games, was rated seventh in the world and fourth in Europe and now coaches the 19-year-old from Brighton.

While the summer version is in full swing, Laura is in Nottingham this weekend bidding to qualify for her first British Senior Championships in Scotland in November.

Conway, six times domestic champion, said: "Laura is MY inspiration. She will be ready for anything in a couple of years. She'll certainly be our first world class female figure skater since me. Her potential is never ending. She's fantastic. She has so much talent and works so hard.

"You cannot drill those qualities in anyone. She has got everything.

"I'm absolutely convinced she will emulate me as British champion. If she doesn't I'll eat my hat."

Conway believes she can also develop Laura's competitive edge and help her overcome nerves with self-belief and practise.

"The biggest thing I can give her is advice on what it is like to be in international competition. It can be a rollercoaster emotionally. I suffered with nerves on the big occasion and that stopped me winning the very top titles. I certainly had the talent.

"But Laura's not only talented, she is greedy for success.

"The next Olympics in 2002 in Salt Lake City might be a fraction to early for her, but she will get to the Games one day."

Besides her motivational skills, Joanne, 30 next birthday, has adopted a meticulous approach with her protege.

"When we first got together she had a junior programme but I've turned it into a professional one that includes fitness and drama coaching off the ice. Figure skating is a whole package. I want her to skate in a professional manner. I've got her doing more competitions and she is learning to become a winner.

"She's slim, fit, looks great and is so dedicated."

Laura gets up at 5am four mornings a week to make early sessions with Joanne at the Spectrum in Guildford, a 100-mile round-trip before school at Brighton High.

She said: "It's hard but I really want to make it and I believe I can. I've got the fight and determination. Joanne has inspired me.

"Joanne has really boosted my confidence. She's been brilliant, so enthusiastic. She's got me to do long and short programmes. That's what you need to compete at the highest level .

"She knows what it takes, having been through it, and I want to put British ice skating back on the map.

"I want to revive the days of Robin Cousins, who lives in Brighton and has helped me, Torvill and Dean and Joanne."

But it doesn't come cheap. Laura intends to be a full-time skater when she finishes her Geography A level.

"It will be tough to make ends when I go full time. I reckon skating costs about £7, 000 to £10,000 a year and, although I wouldn't be where I am without their support, it's just getting too much for my parents."

Laura, who was once coached by former top skater Jill Simpson at the Sussex Ice Rink, still pops back to her old training venue.

But she intends to base herself in Guildford, even if the long-hoped- for new ice rink gets built in Brighton, because Joanne and a second coach, Ruth Woodstock, are there.

She is ready to leave home to help her career to take off.

If Joanne's right, then the sky is the limit for her.