GEORDIE actress Denise Welch has helped bring winter to the North-East with the launch of an outdoor ice rink.

The actress and TV personality, from Ebchester, County Durham, is no stranger to a pair of skates, having taken part in reality show Dancing on Ice in the past.

She delighted crowds in Newcastle on Friday, as she took to the Life Science Centre’s outdoor ice rink to officially launch the city centre attraction.

Ms Welch, who will soon be appearing as Mother Nature in Times Square Pantomime’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk, appeared on the ice in full

pantomime costume and her own ice skates, alongside some of her cast

mates from the production.

She said: “I’m so happy to be back in the North-East and it’s great to have the chance to get my skates on again and launch Life’s outdoor ice rink.”

The rink is open from November 11, everyday except Christmas and Boxing Day, until February 18.