Hundreds of people flocked to Eden Walk this weekend to get a real taste for Christmas on a portable ice rink.

The project was the brainchild of Reverend Jim Bates, of All Saints Parish Church, Kingston, who is raising funds to fix the church roof.

He also donned skates for the first time ever to get things underway on Sunday.

Fortunately, the only thing spilling over was the donation box.

A total of £920 was given by skaters and passers by, who were entertained not only by the tumbles in the rink but by the church choir, who sang for much of the day.

Mr Bates, said: It was a very good day all round. There was always a queue of people to go on.

It was mostly youngsters having a go but it was very busy in Kingston town centre on Sunday and people gave generously.

Reverend Bates was also keen to thank all those who helped make the day possible.

Emma Harvey from the Kingston Council events department, Ailsa Fraser, Eden Centre manager, and Stephanie Dowling from the congregation all worked tirelessly to bring a white Christmas to town early this year.