SKATERS will be able to take to the ice when a synthetic rink comes to Durham.

Catering firm boss Lesley Jones has hired a 405sq metre rink for four weeks that will be set up at The Sands, from Friday, August 5.

The city has been without an ice rink for several years although temporary rinks have been set up at Christmas next to the Gala Theatre.

Ms Jones, who runs Yummy Bites, says that if her project proves a success she will look to see if a permanent synthetic rink could be set up somewhere in the area.

The Skate Zone will be open between 11am and 9pm and charges will range from £4 for 15s and under, to £5 for adults, £10 for a family of three, £14 for a family of four and discounts of ten per cent for groups of ten and more, and 15 per cent for 25 or more people.

An official launch event will be held on Saturday, August 6, and will feature a display by eight-year-old skater Dempsey Andrews, who is the current Northern Ireland champion.

Takings from the event will go to Breast Cancer Research and Muscular Dystrophy.

Ms Jones said if the demand was high, and the four-month run at The Sands drew sufficient people, she would investigate a site for a permanent venue.