THE festive season will be a holiday on ice for people in a North-East city this year.

A temporary ice rink has been set up outside the Gala Theatre in Durham City.

It was opened by Norman Pace, half of the television comedy duo Hale and Pace, who is performing at the theatre.

Now local people are getting their skates on to join in the fun.

Yesterday, Durham University students Joanna Thomas, 20, of Collingwood College, and Davina Glen, 21, of St Mary's College, were among the first to use the rink.

Joanna said: "I'm sure it will prove extremely popular and I'm sure we'll be back again. There are lots of students in college who have said they will give it a try."

Simon Lee, of Yarm company Aria Ice, which is operating the rink, said: "It seems particularly appropriate to set up something like this in Durham, which was known for its ice rink.

"We are hoping to attract a lot of people who were regulars at that rink in the coming weeks as well as the large student population."

The rink is open every day between 9.45am and 8pm - apart from Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day - until January 5.

As well as general sessions, there are sessions for school children and works parties and performances by Aria's skating professionals.

Tickets cost £5 and £4 for concessions but are £1 cheaper if booked.

They are on sale at the theatre, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Mambo, both in Saddler Street, Taylor's Newsforce, North Road, Ebony, Elvet Bridge, Caf Continental and the Body Shop, both Silver Street, and Rock 'n' Amigos, Claypath.

For details call Aria's box office on (01642) 659999.