BOURNEMOUTH’S outdoor Christmas ice rink couldn’t open as planned yesterday in the Lower Gardens – because it was ‘too warm’.

Operators said due to the “unseasonably warm weather” the ice was taking a “little more time than usual to freeze” which meant people were unable to skate.

A statement on the SKATE Bournemouth website reads: "Unfortunately, due to the unseasonably warm weather our ice is taking a little more time than usual to freeze. This means that at this moment in time there will be no skating HOWEVER Moguls Alpine Bar will be open for business from midday and we hope to be able to skate this evening. Please keep an eye on the Facebook and Instagram pages for further updates."

They added: "Thank you for your patience."

This year the ice rink is 30 per cent bigger and features a brand-new skate path.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy "artisan food and festive drinks."

It will be situated in the gardens until January 6.