CITY fathers have decided that it is time some of its assets were well and truly frozen - so they have splashed out and bought a fridge.

For years, civic events held at Ripon Town Hall had to be given that chilled feel by importing cool bags and ice packs ensuring milk for cuppas did not go sour or wine was not served unchilled.

After shopping around, town clerk Yvonne Covell found an upright fridge for £129.95 in a local store and now city councillors have agreed it is a bargain they cannot cold shoulder.

"Not having a fridge caused all sorts of problems when we were hosting functions at the Town Hall. We decided after all these years it would be better to have a fridge rather than getting officials carting ice into the building each time," said Mrs Covell.

Councillors warmed to the idea of a refrigerator, put forward by Coun David Harrison, and have given it their unanimous support.

"In this day and age we were well out of step not having a fridge. We hope to have one in place within days," said Mrs Covell.