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AN ice rink run by a Ryedale firm is returning to York this Christmas after attracting 35,000 skaters last year.

The Ice Factor rink will be set up once more in the magical setting of the Eye of York, near Clifford's Tower.

It will be built around an oak tree in the middle of the grass, but will be a couple of metres longer than last year's rink, said a spokeswoman for Ice Factor, a subsidiary of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, of Westow, near Malton.

"It wouldn't be a family Christmas without ice skating - a chance for the young ones to show off and laugh as dad falls over," she said.

In the shadow of Clifford's Tower and beautifully lit by the illuminated central oak tree, the rink will boast free skate hire and a heated bar and caf.

The spokeswoman said that for the first time there would be some 15-minute coaching sessions by fully qualified ice skating coaches for parties of schoolchildren during term-time.

Schools from across North Yorkshire were already expressing an interest in booking places, she said.

The coaches would be available for the rest of the time to give tips to people going on to the ice for the first time.

"There's nothing worse than to spend the hour clinging to the rail at the edge!"

She said the rink would be formally opened on November 17, when it was hoped a top Russian ice skater, Olga Sharutenko, would once again perform the opening ceremony.

She said Olga, a three-time Russian champion, carried out last year's opening ceremony, but had since partnered John Barrowman in ITV's Dancing on Ice programme.

The rink, sponsored by the nearby Fenwick department store, will open to the general public on November 18, and be there until January 7, opening each day at 10am, with the final skate being from 8.30pm to 9.45pm.

The spokeswoman said the price of admission was £7.95 for adults - slightly more than last year.

It will be £6.50 for children, with family packages and concessions available.

3:10pm Thursday 5th October 2006

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