AN ice rink has been set up in Bolton's Victoria Square in a bid to encourage more visitors during the countdown to Christmas. Reporter Henry Austin got his skates on to test out the new attraction.

WHEN Torvill and Dean gave their gold medal winning performance of Bolero at the 1984 Winter Olympics, they captured the hearts of a generation.

The pair's interpretation of Romeo and Juliet gave the world a breathtaking masterclass in the art of skating.

Unfortunately on-lookers in Bolton town centre were treated to nothing of the sort as I slipped and slid around the new ice rink.

Back by popular demand, after a successful stint two years ago, the Bolton Town Centre Company have once again created a winter wonderland in the town hall square.

As Christmas shopping gathers pace people will be able to forget the strains of the hustle and bustle by gliding -- or falling, around the 8ft by 12ft sheet of synthetic ice for £3 an hour.

Town Centre Company manager, Cathy Savage said: "Last year when we put up the snow slide it did really well, but people kept asking where the ice rink was. It clearly captured the imagination of a lot of people.

She added: "We are raring to go. We anticipate a brilliant response again this year." Although it is slightly smaller than the previous rink, this year's model can hold up to 26 people at any one time.

Two years ago external funding, including some from Europe, was secured for the attraction, but that has not been readily available this year.

Despite this, the Town Centre Company has managed to raise the amount needed by getting companies like Kirby Central Saab and Keoghs Solicitors to sponsor the project.

They also rely on the team of volunteers to man the site and make sure those who are not so great at skating, are all right.

After my performance however, I will certainly not be getting my skates on.