The dates for the ice rink to be opened in Great Yarmouth over the festive period have been announced by the borough council.

The real ice rink will be returning to the market place between November 24 to January 3 in a bid to boost footfall in the town centre to help boost its economy.

Two years ago, a rink organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council was said to have contributed to increased footfall and a vibrant atmosphere in the town centre, with an average of 240 people sliding out on the ice each day.

Last week a heated council debate was held on bringing the rink back at a cost of nearly £100,000 to hire it.

The rink will operate throughout the Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre, from November 24 to 26, and the Christmas lights switch-on and fireworks display on the evening of Friday, November 24.

Tickets can be booked in early November, from a date to be announced.

Prices for a 45-minute session and ice skate hire are: £10 per adult, £7.50 per child aged four to 16, and £30 for a family ticket (two children and a maximum of two adults).

Children aged 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged three and under are too young to skate on the rink.

Barry Coleman, chairman of the council's economic development committee, said: 'The town centre is a top priority and the council has undertaken a range of additional work to boost the town centre, including enhanced events, better marketing, environmental improvements, a shopfront improvement grant scheme, and the development of a Town Centre Masterplan.

'During Christmas, efforts have focused on creating additional reasons for people to shop in the town centre as a destination.

Together with the Christmas Fayre, the ice rink offers a distinct and magical festive shopping experience, which you simply cannot get online or out-of-town, and is a great incentive to visit the town centre shops.

'We know from figures that the rink we had two years ago was hugely popular and helped to boost footfall over the all-important festive period. Some people went on the ice more than once and there were a number of sell-out sessions, with people visiting from across the borough and further afield. The atmosphere was wonderful.

'This year the rink can again accommodate 100 skaters at any one time, and will be open through the festive period, so there will be plenty of opportunity for everyone to go on the ice. There is likely to be extra demand on some days, especially during the Christmas Fayre, Lights Switch-On and Boxing Day, so people wanting specific sessions are encouraged to book in advance from early November.'

The ice rink will use 30,000 litres of waters, taking two days to freeze, measure 30 metres by 15 metres, and accommodate up to 100 skaters at any one time,

The total weight of the ice will be 28.5 tonnes, with the overall structure weighing 42 tonnes

The real ice rink and other extra incentives to visit the town centre support the wider Town Centre Initiative, the borough council's additional work to enhance the town centre as a destination where more people choose to live, work, invest and spend their leisure time and money.

A range of exciting sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses to be associated with this high-profile attraction. To enquire, contact David Helsdon on 01493 846343 or david.helsdon@great-yarmouth.gov.uk