CHRIS BISHOP East Anglia's first eco-friendly ice rink offers summer skating thanks to a revolutionary new synthetic surface. Ecoiceskate, which opened at Hunstanton's Oasis Centre yesterday , offers all-weather skating without the need for freezers or even ice.

CHRIS BISHOP

East Anglia's first eco-friendly ice rink offers summer skating thanks to a revolutionary new synthetic surface.

Ecoiceskate, which opened at Hunstanton's Oasis Centre yesterday , offers all-weather skating without the need for freezers or even ice.

West Norfolk council has installed the £150,000 rink on the leisure centre's former open air swimming pool, as part of a £1.5m revamp.

At the official opening Peter Emnett , managing director of Ice Magic International Limited, said: “If you care about the environment and also have a passion for ice skating, we think this is the going to be the way forward in this country.”

After borough mayor Kathy Mellish cut the ribbon, the first to take to the ice was Tamsin Sear - former British Ladies Champion - who kicked off a spectacular display.

Skaters reckon the synthetic surface, which is lubricated with a glycol mixture, offers a slightly slower surface than ice, meaning it is suitable for beginners.

Elizabeth Nockolds, West Norfolk's cabinet member for sports, arts and open space, said: "There's a lot of interest in skating at the moment, thanks to the popularity of programmes such as Dancing on Ice, and when we were looking at options for the development of the outdoor pool area at the Oasis, a new skating facility seemed the obvious choice."

In addition to that, the rink is also portable, ensuring that its use is extended beyond the summer season in Hunstanton.

Mrs Nockolds said the rink would be taken to other locations - including Lynn's Tuesday Market Place at Christmas.

The costs for skating at the Oasis will be Adults £5, Juniors £4, Leisure Card Adults £4, Juniors £3 and concessions £3 adults, £2 juniors. Family skate pass for two adults and two children is £16. The rink is open from 10am - late until the end of August.

For further information contact The Oasis on 01485 534227.