SEASONAL stalls and ice-skaters will transform Spennymoor this Christmas.

Plans to turn Spennymoor town centre into a winter wonderland, with a temporary ice-rink and Christmas market, have been given approval by Sedgefield borough councillors.

The market will run for four weeks over the Christmas period, as part of plans to give the town centre a lift.

Most of the derelict shops that have blighted the precinct are expected to be filled next year, and last Thursday Sedgefield Borough Council agreed to make grants available for shop front improvements in the centre.

A study carried out in the town in September last year identified the appearance of many shop fronts as a major weakness.

The scheme will meet 50 per cent of the costs or £10,000 and will be on offer for five years from April next year