FAMILIES hoping to enjoy one region’s most popular winter attractions need to get their skates on before it closes at the weekend.

Thousands have visited the ice rink at Keel Square in Sunderland since it opened at the end of November, but the attraction will close on Sunday evening.

Gemma Dishman, from Sunderland Business Improvement District, said: “The seasonal ice rink is always very popular with visitors of all ages, and this year we decided to keep it running until the end of the holiday break so as to allow as many people as possible to experience it.

“Many people are still in the festive spirit and are still on holiday from work and school, so we felt it was important they could still enjoy the festive fun all the way until the weekend”.

The ice rink is open from 10am to 9pm every day and costs £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for under 12s or £24.50 for a family ticket.