The sixth World Championship ice hockey tournament to be held in Dumfries in just five years concluded at the Ice Bowl on Saturday evening.

France took gold, Norway silver and Great Britain secured a bronze medal in the Women’s Under 18s World Championship, Division I Group B.

In April (2nd-8th), another World Championship will take place at the Dumfries venue to further promote the sport and give a boost to the women’s game in Great Britain.

Six countries spanning the globe – Australia, DPR Korea (better known as North Korea), Slovenia and Spain – will descend on Dumfries for the IIHF World Championship Division II Group A.

The World Championships double-header is an incredible boost for the Ice Bowl, British ice hockey and the economy of Dumfries and Galloway.

The council estimates that hosting the Women’s Under-18s event has created an economic boost for Dumfries and Galloway in excess of £170,000.

The Norwegian and Chinese teams and their support staff were based in Dumfries from 2nd January, four days before their first fixtures began, to aid their preparations, which increased the revenues of local hotels. Great Britain had three days in town to fine tune their play before the tournament started.

Councillor Adam Wilson, the council’s events champion, said: “Dumfries continues to shine in the world of ice hockey. We have a long-standing track record now of youth development and quality events management in the sport and the Ice Bowl is tailor made for World Championship tournaments and play-off finals.

“The local community is making great use of the Ice Bowl and we are securing substantial economic benefits at a quiet time of the year from the spend that occurs from the participating countries.”

Andy French, general secretary of Ice Hockey UK, said: “I’m delighted at how the whole week has gone and how we have advanced the sport of ice hockey.

“The tried and trusted working partnership we have with the council enabled Ice Hockey UK to deliver this World Championship to the same high standards as previous tournaments.

“I would like to thank the D & G staff at the arena, along with all volunteers, because with out them it would not happen and be so successful.”