COLOURFUL pantomime characters took to the ice to help the community yesterday.

A group of 35 students from Teesside Tertiary College dressed as fairies, toy soldiers and other pantomime characters for a spin around Middlesbrough's outdoor ice rink.

Their aim was to raise money to fund charity events as part of their course.

Diane Turner, a college tutor, said: "As part of the first year of their advanced GNVQ in travel and tourism, the students have to complete a unit which asks them to organise an event which brings people together as a team.

"How better to raise the money to pay for these events, which will help numerous groups in the community, than to have some fun slipping and sliding around the ice?"

Some of the group will use the money they raise to organise a Christmas party for 11 to 16 year olds at the Priorswood Special School, in Netherfields, Middlesbrough.

Others will donate cash to the NSPCC. The students have already made a start on their fundraising by washing cars, bag packing in a supermarket, holding raffles and a cake stall, and seeking donations from local businesses.