A PENSIONER has called for York to get a permanent ice rink all year round and not just for Christmas.

Wilna Buckle, 86, of Heath Moor Drive, Fulford, took her extended family to visit Ice Factor at the Eye of York over Christmas and they loved the experience so much they want to make it a year-round event.

Mrs Buckle said: "The rink is absolutely great. My whole family loved it, but it would be even better all year round."

Although for Mrs Buckle ice-skating is purely a spectator sport, her daughter, Christine Mitchell, and other family members, including four-year-old Daniel, took to the ice and loved it.

Mrs Mitchell, who now lives in Luxembourg and works for the European Community, said: "It was fantastic. Good clean fun, good exercise - anything to get the kids away from the TV, texting, blogs and the like is heaven."

Mrs Mitchell has suggested that Ice Factor could be converted into a roller skating rink during the warmer months.

The Press reported on Thursday that more than 40,000 people had tried the Ice Factor rink during its seven week run - up from almost 35,000 last year - and it looks set to return this year.

Maria Farrugia, executive producer of Malton-based Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, which operates the rink, has now said they are thinking of extending the run to eight weeks next time.

But she said it would be impractical to keep the rink open all year, even as a roller park.

Mrs Farrugia said: "Running an outdoor rink is very expensive and a roller rink is a great idea, but the sophisticated technology under the rink means it can't be easily converted for summer use.

"It would, however, be great to see a permanent ice-rink elsewhere in York, especially as the Barbican has been taken away."

The rink is run by Ice Factor but the decision over whether it can return will be made by City of York Council, which owns the site.

Coun Keith Orrell, executive member for leisure, said: "The ice rink we have had in York the last two years is a private enterprise and officers have worked hard to get it there.

"We are always looking to work with partners to provide opportunities for residents across York, and this is just one example of the way in which we do this."

The rink is open until tomorrow, starting at 10am, with the final skate from 8.30pm to 9.45pm.

Admission costs £7.95 for adults and £6.50 for children, with family packages and concessions available.