Children in the borough were given the chance to show-off their ice-skating skills over the weekend thanks to a specially built ice rink in the grounds of St John at Hackney Church in Hackney Central.

The festive treat was part of the Hackney Central Winter Festival which started on Thursday 2nd December and finished on Sunday 5th December. The festival also offered primary schools in the borough subsidised use of the ice rink as part of the festivities.

This is the first time that an ice-rink has been included in the festival.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “It is great to see so many residents joining in the ice skating and enjoying themselves at the Hackney Winter Festival. The festival, which is now in its third year, is a unique way to increase shopping activity for local businesses in the area.

“Having partners such as St John at Hackney Church and Irvin Leisure Limited working with local schools, shops and businesses, a great event was created and a lot of festive fun was had by all.”

Fr Rob Wickham, Rector of Hackney, said: "We are thrilled to be working closely with Hackney Council, and others to create Hackney s Winter Wonderland. It has been a delight to see so many children and adults alike having so much fun, surrounded by the snow."