An ice rink is set to be installed in a Canterbury park this Christmas.

The covered arena will be set up in Dane John Gardens and open on Saturday, December 2.

It is the result of a partnership between the city council and local firm Noah & The Shed.

The 30m by 20m ice rink will be set up near the bandstand, complete with viewing arena and a play area for children.

Representatives from the company and the local authority have held talks with Dane John residents and the St Mildred’s Area Community Society, which supports the project.

There will be round-the-clock security on the site and steps are being taken to minimise damage to the grass as much as possible.

The festive attraction will operate from 11am to 6pm, Sundays to Fridays, and 11am to 7pm on Saturdays, with shorter hours on Christmas Eve, but no sessions on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It will pack up on New Year’s Day.

The council says it will be evaluated afterwards to assess its success, the level of interest and any problems.

The plans, as well as prices, which will include skate hire, are still being finalised and initially booking will be online only.

More information will be released next week.

The rink is part of a wider revamp of the Christmas offer in Canterbury, which also sees a big expansion of the Whitefriars Christmas market into St George’s Street, increasing the number of bespoke wooden huts from 43 to more than 70.

Canterbury City Council leader Simon Cook said: “We are very excited to be bringing a Christmas ice rink to Canterbury for the first time.

“It’s something lots of people have been asking for and will really enhance the festive atmosphere in the city.

“We expect the demand to be high, so people will need to get in quick when booking opens.”