TRURO will echo to the sound of snowboarders and skiers this Christmas with the installation of a full-sized ski-slope right in the centre of the city.

The 30-metre public ski and snowboard slope is to be installed on Lemon Quay as the centrepiece to the city's 2006-2007 Winter Festival.

Christmas shoppers will be able to take a break from buying presents to hurtle down the slopes on skis or a snowboard on what is officially to be known as Winterpark Truro.

The slope will open to the public on Saturday, November 25, with the official launch of the Truro Winter Festival and the grand switching on of the Christmas lights.

Rock singer Lil' Chris will officially open the slope and it is expected that he will be one of the first to try it out. After that the slope will be open to all members of the public who will get the chance to experience the Snowflex dry slope surface for the first time in Cornwall. According to the manufacturers Snowflex provides the closest sensation to real snow and minimises the chance of injury.

The slope will be open every day until the middle of January and a full programme of activities with learn to ride sessions, film shows, big air demonstrations and skiing and snowboarding competitions.

Specialised ski and snowboard instructors will be on hand at all times and the slope will be patrolled to ensure the ultimate health and safety of all users.

Cornwall snowsport facility founder Chris O'Connell said: "I've been dreaming for over 20 years that Cornwall would eventually have its own ski slope and it's certainly long overdue.

"Winterpark Cornwall will give regular and new skiers and snowboarders alike the chance to get out there and feel the exhilaration of the mountains either before or after they do their Christmas shopping so that should certainly make it a much more interesting experience!"

Opening hours will be from 10am - 9pm daily with an accompanying Alpine Bar, created by the MI Bar.

MI owner Mike Barritt said: "Having Winterpark Truro and the Winter Festival right on our doorstep is going to make this the most exciting Christmas we've ever seen on Lemon Quay."

Truro city centre will be closed to traffic on Saturdays and Wednesday night late shopping, from Saturday, November 25. A park-and-ride will be run from 9am to 5.30pm on Saturdays and 5pm to 9.30pm on Wednesdays, from the cattle market on Newquay Road and New County Hall on Treyew Road. Truro City Council will also run disabled park and ride from the Hendra car park, 10am until 4.30pm, on Saturdays during the run-up to Christmas.