FESTIVE funsters are slipping and sliding towards Christmas as Torquay's seasonal ice rink welcomes its first skaters.

Panto stars from Cinderella at the Princess Theatre joined in the fun in full costume for the opening of the wintry wonderland at the Riviera International Centre.

The synthetic ice rink was brought to the Bay by Richard Lambert, a former professional ice skater from Paignton.

The 46 year old developed his skating skills as a boy at Torquay Pavilion, and said it has long been his dream to open a festive rink in Torbay.

Pantomime stars James Crossley — better known as Hunter in 90s TV series Gladiators — and Jason Lee Scott opened the seasonal attraction.

James said: "Jason and I are delighted to have opened this fantastic winter attraction in Torquay."

The Riviera Centre is pleased to be hosting it.

Simon Jolly, conference and events manager at the centre, said: "We are delighted to be hosting the ice rink. It looks great and has a real Christmas feel about it. I will definitely be having a go myself."

Speaking before the first revellers took to the ice, Richard, now a national skating judge, added: "Torbay really lacks a rink. I know synthetic ice doesn't have the feel of real ice, but it's fun to skate on and is a bit warmer too.

"If it was a case of having no ice rink over Christmas in the Bay or a synthetic one, I'd go for synthetic. It's expensive to set up, but if I lose money I'll have fun doing so."

The rink is 10 metres by 12 metres in size, and it will be open to the public until January 3.

Tickets cost £6 for adults, £5 for children or £8.50 for the nightly ice disco plus £1 for skate hire.

For more information call 07981 839897.