Two legends of the ice were in Durham today for a very special unveiling commemorating the history of the man who began the proud history of skating in the city.

The life’s work of ice rink pioneer John ‘Icy’ Smith who was the founder of Durham’s first ice rink was celebrated in Durham City Centre today (April 26) with the unveiling of a blue plaque.

Known as ‘Icy’ to his friends from his beginnings in an ice factory he set up in Barnard Castle, John’s third ice rink was in Durham along the River Wear. It opened in 1940 and closed in 1996.

The Northern Echo: The blue plaque for John 'Icy' Smith.The blue plaque for John 'Icy' Smith. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The plaque, which was organised by the City of Durham Parish Council, was officially unveiled by Olympic champions and Dancing on Ice personalities Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean on the HM Passport building which was erected on the site of the former rink.

Chris said: “It has been a beautiful day – the sun came out and there was a huge crowd which we weren’t expecting.

“Anything to do with ice – we’re always keen to be involved with. Whether that’s an unveiling like today, performing or promoting.

“I do think we need to start a campaign for a new Durham ice rink.”

Also present at the unveiling was the extended family of Icy Smith, including his granddaughter Agnes Payne who delivered a speech to the crowd and said the unveiling was a “wonderful experience”.

The Northern Echo: Agnes Payne.Agnes Payne. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“I am feeling extremely proud – as we have always been proud of my grandfather. My family have travelled from Essex, Kendal and even London.

“When they knew this was for grandad, everyone was eager to be here.”

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered at the nearby Dead Dog Gallery where artist Lewis Hobson, 30, put together an exhibition filled with trinkets and memorabilia from the days of the rink and the Durham Wasps team.

Programmes, match reports, jerseys, newspaper clippings and even skates were displayed across the room and have been gathered by Lewis over a six-month period.

The Northern Echo: Durham Wasps memorabilia.Durham Wasps memorabilia. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

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The Northern Echo: Lewis Hobson.Lewis Hobson. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Lewis, a mural artist, said: “I’ve had it in the back of my mind to do a project on the ice rink for quite a long time and I’ve never quite had the capability for that until this support from the school.

“Everyone has been very trusting and eager to share the history of the rink with us. We don’t have any murals or a statue so this has been a great privilege to be a part of this.”

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm every Thursday and Friday for visitors to come along and take a walk down memory lane and remember fond memories off the rink.