Jamie and Andrew Matthew have just returned from the Brits Wintersports Festival in Laax, Switzerland.

The two ski enthusiasts were taking part in the British Freestyle Championships competing against Britain's finest freestyle skiers.

What makes their achievements all the more remarkable is that both brothers were competing at the Brits without the aid of sponsors.

Proud dad Ewen, said: "They were both so committed to the challenge of taking part that their spare time was used up earning money off their own back. Jamie worked as a labourer for local contractor THL while Andrew worked at the local McDonalds."

Jamie (20) has been training in Europe for the past three seasons, living in both France and Switzerland. While away he has been training and developing skills along with winning local skiing competitions particularly in Meribel in France where he lived for two seasons.

Andrew (17), competed in the World Schools Alpine Ski Championships last year before changing to freestyle and following in his brothers footsteps this season.

The Brits Wintersport Festival in Switzerland ran from March 29 to April 5 this year and both brothers performed remarkably well.

In the Quiksilver British Freeski Big Air Championships Jamie finished 16th and just missed out on the final while Andrew made the final, finishing second in his age group and fourth overall.

In the Animal British Freeski Slopestyle Championship Andrew finished third in his age group and ninth overall whilst Jamie finished tenth.

Most impressive for Andrew however, was when he finished second in the Trespass British Skiercross Championship only finishing behind Angus Morrison, who is a British representative at the Winter Olympics.

Andrew was awarded the Faction Ski Stepup Award for best unsponsored skier.

Dad Ewen said: "It was a great achievement on Andrew's behalf, it's funny though because had he not been there Jamie was next in line to pick up the award!"

The two brothers are now looking to build up to Pro Ski Qualifications and are keen to get sponsors from the local area.

The two Kirrie lads are most certainly putting the area on the map so local sponsorship interest will hopefully grow.

For anyone interested in finding out about sponsorship opportunities please contact Ewen Matthew on 07970470445.