ITINERANT ice hockey enthusiasts have offered to share in the management of a municipal rink if repairs are made to bring it back into use.

Teams which previously played home games at Sunderland's Crowtree Leisure Centre, travel to use the rink at either Whitley Bay or Newcastle's Telewest Arena, when available.

The Crowtree rink has been out of use awaiting a growing list of repairs since it began leaking into shops below, during the summer of 2000.

Sunderland City Council's ruling cabinet will consider a report on the future of the rink next month, amid fears that the repair costs may prove excessive.

In the meantime, Sunderland Ice Hockey Club has offered to jointly run the Crowtree rink, with other users, including figure skaters, should it reopen.

The club has 250 members spread across seven teams, including English National League side Sunderland Chiefs and their female counterparts, who were British Championship winners for six of the past seven years.

Club officials have made a presentation of their proposals to city councillors.

The council has pledged to give due consideration to the club's plans, after the report into the rink's future is presented next month.