WINTER wonderland ice rinks in Darlington, Stockton and Middlesbrough have been closed a month early.

No reason has been given for the sudden closure by Aria Ltd, the Redcar company that has been managing 15 Christmas ice rink projects across Britain.

The firm, which is one of the biggest ice rink operators in the country, declined to comment last night.

Aria is responsible for several other rinks in the North-East, including York, Durham and Newcastle.

Darlington, Stockton and Middlesbrough councils confirmed the rinks had closed.

A statement issued on their behalf said: "We have been notified by Aria Events that they have had to close the ice rinks.

"We are very disappointed with this situation and feel badly let down and we are working to try to get them reopened.

"However, until further notice the rinks will remain closed."