A TASTE of New York came to York today with the city's first open air ice rink due to open.

The new attraction in front of the Castle Museum in the shadow of Clifford's Tower gave excited shoppers and visitors the chance to get their skates on in true festive fashion.

"Everyone knows about the ice rink in New York, so we think this is a really fun thing to be able to bring to York at this festive time of year," said Stacey Gent, of Aria, the company which is running the rink.

"It's also a really traditional English thing. In Victorian times people used to skate round on frozen lakes at Christmas time, so there are memories of that too. York is already such a lovely place to come at Christmas and lots of people come anyway.

"It is so festive and a really traditional Christmassy place, and we wanted to be able to give something extra to the city.

"York doesn't have its own ice rink, so we think this is something people will really be looking forward to."

The 400 square-metre rink will be in place until January 4, and there will also be refreshments and confectionery on sale.

The rink will be open to skaters from 10am until 8pm, with private parties bookable from 8pm to 10pm.

An hour's skate will cost adults £5 and children £4, with skate hire free. To book, phone 01642 777778.

Updated: 10:41 Friday, November 21, 2003