Sheffield is set to be the centre of the skating world next week when one of the biggest ice events in the world comes to the city.

The Sheffield International Venues (SIV) operated Motorpoint Arena and iceSheffield are hosting the ISU European Figure Skating Championships 2012.

The seven-day event, which has already sold out two dates, is being held in England for the first time in more than 20 years from 23 - 29 January.

Nearly 200 stars of the skating world from 40 countries, including many Olympians, will take part in the prestigious championship – bringing a £1.5 million boost to the Sheffield economy.

Flying the iceSheffield flag will be newly crowned British Champion Jason Thompson. The 22-year-old, from Canklow, in Rotherham, has battled back from a career threatening injury to make the GB team.

He achieved his qualification place after clinching the national crown in front of a home crowd at iceSheffield in November.

Jason, who spent 18 months on the sidelines following the injury which he suffered at a British Olympic Association Generation training camp, said: “I am so happy to have been selected. There was a point a year ago when I never thought I would skate again, so to have won the national title and make the European Championships GB squad is incredible. I am so excited. ”

Men, Ladies, Pairs and Dance couples will compete in front of crowds of 9,000 at the Motorpoint Arena where the main Championship events will be held from 23-29 January 2012.

iceSheffield, the National Figure Skating Centre, will be the practice rink for competitors over the course of the week’s events.

Steve Brailey, chief executive, SIV, said: “Sheffield has a proud heritage of ice sports and it is hugely exiting to be hosting such a high profile event. SIV is delighted to be playing such a key role in the Championships, which will bring skaters, coaches, judges and spectators to Sheffield providing a significant boost to the city’s economy.

“Very few UK or European cities can boast two superb ice venues in such close proximity – a key reason for Sheffield’s selection – which highlights the importance of investment in facilities such as iceSheffield and the Motorpoint Arena.”

The National Ice Skating Association (NISA) worked in partnership with SIV, Sheffield City Council’s Major Sports Event Unit, Welcome to Yorkshire and UK Sport to bring the European Championships to Sheffield.

Keith Horton, Chief Executive of NISA, said: “It is very exciting to welcome such a strong field of international skaters to Sheffield. The event will no doubt produce many fantastic performances and provide an excellent showcase of figure skating for the spectators here in the UK and around the world.”

The event has received the backing of some of ice skating’s biggest names. Former Dancing on Ice Judge Emma Bunton and two-time Olympic figure skaters Sinead and John Kerr are ambassadors for the event.

It has also the royal seal of approval - HRH Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, will be attending the Opening Ceremony and the first day of action on Wednesday January 25.

A group of 100 local young skaters have been working hard to perfect a routine choreographed by Europeans ambassador, former Olympian and NISA vice president, Robin Cousins, which will be performed at the opening ceremony and Gala Exhibition.

Robin, who has been rehearsing at iceSheffield, said: “It is about time we had a major skating championships here and from the ticket sales it’s going to be a huge hit. I think it is exceeding expectations and what’s fun is that this gives local kids, and those who have travelled from further away, a chance to be a part of the opening ceremony on the Wednesday and also the gala where they will perform again.”

There will be intense media interest in the event. Sheffield-based Televideo has been named as host broadcasters, providing a live feed for Eurosport and the BBC. Action from the Championships will be broadcast in 14 European countries showcasing Sheffield and its state-of-the-art sports facilities to millions of people.

Councillor Helen Mirfin-Boukouris, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Growth, said: “This is great news for Sheffield. This event is set to bring over 15,000 spectators to the city from all over Europe, which will mean a £1.5 million boost to the local economy. Local schoolchildren will also be getting involved, with over 5,000 expected to participate in a special educational programme running alongside the Championships.

“We very much hope that seeing the best competitors from 37 European countries come to our city will serve as further inspiration to people in Sheffield to get involved in sport. With ticket sales exceeding all expectations and over 20 hours of BBC coverage of the event in Sheffield planned, as well as live television coverage in 14 other European countries, this is set to be a fantastic event for the city.”

Bringing an ice skating buzz to Sheffield is a host of others stars who have been flying the flag for Sheffield across Europe, and picking up medals along the way.

iceSheffield skater Olivia Smart this month secured her first international title at a competition in Poland. Junior Ice Dance Champion Olivia, 14, and her skate partner, Joe Buckland, 19, placed first at the Mentor Nestle Nesquik Cup 2012.

Olivia said: “It was fantastic to get our first international title at the same event where Joe’s brother, Nick, and Penny also won gold. Joe and I are now looking forward to watching Penny and Nick perform at the European Championships. It is great to have such a major ice skating event in our home city.”

Sixteen-year-old Peter Hallam, who only started skating eight years ago when he joined iceSheffield’s Learn to Skate programme, picked up a gold medal at the Ice Challenge in Austria.

iceSheffield skater Millie Paterson was called up to the GB squad for the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games, in Austria, while iceSheffield coach Mark Hanretty is starring alongside fitness guru Rosemary Conley on this year’s ITV hit entertainment show Dancing on Ice.

Mandy Parker, general manager of iceSheffield, said: “There is a real buzz about ice skating in Sheffield at the moment thanks to the achievements of our young skaters, the European Championships and Dancing on Ice. The Europeans is the equivalent of London 2012 for the GB skate squad and we are so proud that Jason Thompson will be representing iceSheffield.”

Making up the GB squad is Penny Coomes and Nick Buckland (Ice Dance), Stacey Kemp and David King (Pairs) and Jenna McCorkell (Ladies).

The European Championships take place at the Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield from 23 - 29 January. The event is supported the Sheffield City Council’s Major Sports Events Unit. For more information and for ticket sales visit www.europeans2012.co.uk