I AGREE wholeheartedly with the letters explaining how York people would benefit from a full time ice-rink (January 21).

I am involved with one of the mentioned inline roller hockey teams, Snaith. Both my children, aged 13 and seven, get a great deal of enjoyment out of playing.

Furthermore the club and sport has provided the opportunity to represent the north east region at national level with other York-based players going on to represent Great Britain.

The appeal of inline hockey is to basically play ice hockey (all players wear identical kit as their ice counterparts) but in sports halls or purpose-built roller-rinks where access to ice-rinks is unavailable.

Our children have recently branched out to play ice hockey as well, which requires us to travel to Bradford twice a week.

This has given us the opportunity to visit many other ice-rinks dotted about all over the country. The first impression that greets you while visiting these ice-rinks is that, no matter what time of day you attend, the public sessions are always packed out.

The skating sessions provide a safe enjoyable environment for both young and old, with the opportunity to develop skills in whatever ice-associated sport interests them the most.

The temporary rink at Clifford's Tower has proved to be a success. On the two or three visits that our family made to the rink it was always busy. That proves the market is there and York people would welcome a permanent ice-rink as a recreational facility.

S. Armitage,

Northlands Avenue,

Earswick, York.

Updated: 10:29 Friday, January 27, 2006