AN ICE-skating legend who made his home in Southampton has died, aged 86.

Len Liggett was the top coach at the city's ice rink for 23 years before it was demolished in 1988, and churned out scores of ice-skating champions in that time.

The passionate skater notched up dozens of personal successes too, including a spell teaching two Yugoslavian princesses.

Len, who lived at Magpie Drive, Totton, first donned a pair of ice skates when he was seven.

In 1936 he turned professional in his home town, Liverpool, and in 1952 Len became the British ice dance and pair skating champion.

He arrived in Southampton in 1965 and gave hours of time and support to trainee skaters he coached at the city rink.

Five world ice dance champions, three European winners, eight Great Britain senior ice dance champions and five junior skaters were among those who found success under his expert tuition.

Pupils say Len was not just a skating teacher - he was also a friend, mentor and second father.

Len finally hung up his skates when he was 74, but even into his 80s was still passing on his expertise to youngsters at the Gosport ice rink.

He died peacefully at his home on September 29 and leaves behind a wife, Lesley, two grown-up sons from a previous marriage Michael and Tony, and two grandchildren.

Len's funeral takes place on 14th October at All Saints Church in Dibden at 1pm, followed by a cremation. All friends are welcome.