PLANS for Bournemouth's best festive ice rink yet have been unveiled - with hopes of attracting around 30,000 people.

While many won't be thinking of Christmas just yet, proposals have been submitted and include a second nursery rink, heated indoor lounge area and a new layout.

The scheme includes drawings of an even larger potential site for 2018 and beyond with an extended skate path adjoining the main rink.

This year, the ice rink will be stationed at the Bournemouth balloon site.

The popular Skate Bournemouth event is due to return to the Lower Gardens from mid-November, but nearer to Bournemouth Square than in previous years.

The alpine themed après skate café and bar is set to return and will be managed by staff from the Lost Paradise club.

Food will also be on offer, but a vendor has not yet been finalised in the plans.

The proposals have been submitted by THIS Event Co Ltd - part of property firm THAT Group who operated the rink in the last two years.

The 2016 offering in the Lower Gardens was subject to some controversy, after the event opened without obtaining planning permission.

Cllr David Smith, who is a member of the Lower Central Gardens Trust Board, said: "I fully welcome the proposals. It will be a wonderful addition for the Christmas offering this year and I particularly like the nursery rink for young children.

"I have every confidence in the THIS Event team to provide a first rate service this year."

A statement submitted on behalf of THIS Event Co Ltd says the organisers aim to attract a minimum of 20,000 skaters, but are hopeful of attracting nearer to 30,000.

The conclusion of the statement, which has been filed as part of the plans to Bournemouth Borough Council, says: "THIS Event Co Ltd aspires for the Bournemouth Ice Rink installation to be the best offering yet to the Bournemouth Lower Gardens, drawing from its experience and track record of installing high quality offerings in Bristol and Bournemouth previously.

"It is considered that the principal planning issues associated with this site, in particular maintaining and enhancing the character and heritage of the gardens, and including the protection of important trees, can be ensured by this development."

Last year's 20m x 35m rink was able to host 230 skaters at one time.

The main rink in the submitted plans is 25m x 27m, slightly smaller than its predecessor.

The additional nursery rink, specifically for families with younger children, is set to be 11m x 16.8m.

The proposals highlight the safer layout of the site in its new location, which allow it to all be on one side of the gardens.

This means there is no need to cross the public path to access the rink - an issue in previous years.

The event is set to run for 48 days from Thursday November 16 until Tuesday January 2.

Construction of the facility is planned to commence on Tuesday October 31, with the site due to be cleared by Friday January 12.