FESTIVE shoppers will have an opportunity to go for a "spin" when Bolton's very own ice rink is opened in the centre of town tomorrow.

Everyone from shoppers to schoolchildren are expected to get their skates on when the giant indoor Icecapades is launched at 10am in Victoria Square.

The highlight of the day will be the opening party at 8.15pm, which will be hosted by Key 103's Darren Proctor.

Karen Wheeldon, town centre manager, is expecting a good turnout for the launch and is hoping many onlookers will take to the ice.

She added: "London is also having an ice rink very similar to ours, but are not opening it until next week. So we have beat the capital to it."

The temporary structure has been situated between the Town Hall and the War Memorial and is made of glass and uPVC. It uses real ice and is 30 metres long.

People of all ages can have a go at skating this Christmas and admission is £3 for a one hour session.

There will also be Saturday Night Fever parties held every week where people can skate around the rink to the sounds of disco music.

Many schools and youth groups have already booked trips to the ice rink and companies can also celebrate the festive season by having a go at skating and then going on to various Bolton nightspots, including the Chicago Rock Cafe and the Moat House. Call (01204) 523762 for more details.

People will be able to buy refreshments from vending machines and there are changing areas. The rink will be open from 10am to 9.30pm every day until January 4, excluding bank holidays.

The Icecapades project is part of events organised to celebrate the Millennium. Some people were worried that the large structure could be a danger on New Year's Eve, with hundreds of people visiting Victoria Square for midnight. But councillors were assured there were no problems and the emergency services could move across the town centre.