WILTON Shopping Village opened its winter ice rink to the public on Friday. Phil Matthew, Wilton Mayor, addressed the crowds and praised the Wilton Shopping Village for its efforts in putting on the family activity. Cllr Matthews joined in the fun and celebrated the opening by having a go on the ice rink himself.

Cllr Matthews said: "The opening was well attended and a lot of children were there. The ice rink is good for Wilton, good for the Wilton Shopping Village and it does bring in more people. It’s an added attraction leading up to Christmas.

"Last year was successful and I’m sure it will be successful this year, I’m glad they’ve opened it for a second year."

Wilton Shopping Village is expecting large numbers of visitors over the festive period and said that online ticket sales for the ice rink have exceeded last year’s like for like totals.

The Manager of the Wilton Shopping Village, Claire Ellard, said that they were delighted with the public’s response so far.

She said: “The rink is wonderful. We have lots of fun planned, including charity gala shows with the Basingstoke Ice Skating Club. We are using the events to help raise money for Salisbury Hospice”.

She added that some shops in the Wilton Shopping Village would be offering extra discounts throughout the ice rink period.

The ice rink will be open until early January, and the opening times can be found on the Wilton Shopping Village website.