WHATEVER the weather this winter, visitors to Bournemouth town centre can enjoy a trip to an ice rink.

A huge indoor rink now dominates the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) – with a smaller outdoor version set alongside the balloon in the town’s Lower Gardens.

Both are operated by BH Live.

The BIC’s rink is the largest of its kind in the region, tempting everyone from children stepping on to the ice for the first time to serious skaters keen to hone their moves.

Gail Collins, events, sales and marketing manager for BH Live, said: “Both of the rinks are lovely and really bring something to the town.

“The indoor one is beautiful – it looks like Jack Frost has paid a visit.”

She said the activity helps to keep skaters fit, as well as being fun.

Mrs Collins said: “It’s a particularly popular activity for the festive season – people enjoy ice skating around Christmas time.

“We do get lots of people giving it a go for fun, but there are also hard-core skaters too who really enjoy it being here.”

The BIC’s rink, this year sponsored by online skate and scooter superstore RAWK, is available for the next 11 weeks.

Fire Radio! is offering two-hour sessions on the ice with music played by DJs, with the first being held today.

There will also be sessions on January 13 and 31 and February 14 and 24.

Director of venues Steve Piper said: “The indoor RAWK ice rink at the BIC is an eagerly anticipated attraction which welcomes thousands of skaters each year.

“Schools and community groups, as well as parties of friends and families with young children, will be able to skate indoors right through until February 24.”

Tickets for the rink are £7 for adults – for more information, visit www.bhlive tickets.co.uk