BLACKPOOL shoppers could be walking in a winter wonderland this Christmas thanks to a n-ice idea from Blackpool Town Centre Forum.

From November 22 the Olympia at the Winter Gardens is to be transformed into a gleaming 5,000 sq ft ice rink surrounded by Christmas trees and flanked by a bustling Tyrolean market. The rink will then be moved to the venue's Pavilion Theatre in early December where it will stay until January 2.

Similar seasonal events around the town will join in with the festive spirit and it all comes under the banner of Blackpool This Christmas to entice all important shoppers to the resort.

The ice rink opening also coincides with the launch of Blackpool's Christmas traditional late night shopping programme.

A spokesperson for the BTCF said: "This is part of an enormous project to bring shoppers to the town and Blackpool will be a hive of activity with pipe music, street entertainment, nativity displays, carol singers and the Grand Theatre panto stars -- even live reindeer will pay a visit. There is also a schools musical competition with every single school in the area being invited to enter. Some sponsors are required for that.

"Blackpool This Christmas is a five-year plan and we hope to add to it each year to make Blackpool THE place to shop at Christmas"

Town centre manager Nigel Hanson said: "The ice rink will be open to the public during publicized operating times at a charge of £1.50 per half hour which we believe is acceptable given the standard of the event and the calibre of the venue."

Hoyles Promotions will handle the festive stalls surrounding the rink and managing director Gene Hoyle said: "We have travelled all around the world and seen how popular Christmas markets can be.

"We're now looking for festive stalls of all kinds of Christmas fare and mulled wine, traditional gifts and decorations and a Santa's grotto.

If you are interested in providing a festive stall call Hoyles Promotions on (01253) 782828 or if you would like to assist with the ice rink call the BTCF on (01253) 292486.