UXBRIDGE'S first Christmas ice rink opens to the public in three days- and there are still plenty of opportunities for people to book their place.

Workmen have been busy constructing the attraction and it is now almost completed, with the ice already in place.

The ice rink, situated outside the Civic Centre in Uxbridge High Street, will be skated on for the first time at 6.30pm on Thursday by specially invited guests of Hillingdon Council before the public start using it on Friday.

The Uxbridge Christmas Market also opens on Friday outside the Civic Centre with a number of stalls offering seasonal gifts and delicacies.

The ice rink will be open every day until Sunday, January 4, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Peak price tickets for adults cost £7.50 and £6 for children and off-peak tickets are £5.50 for adults and £4 for children and concession. School block bookings are also available.

Anybody looking to dance on ice can book in advance through the Beck Theatre box office on 0208 561 8371 or online at www.becktheatre.org.uk