Skate expectations as Ice Cube back in city square

The Cube is designed to test the skills of an expected 70,000 visitors. The UK's largest outdoor ice skating rink returned to Millennium Square on Saturday for its 11th year and runs until March.

It will once again be offering skating lessons, which have proved popular since their introduction, provided by coaches for anyone fancying themselves as the next Torvill or Dean.

Spectators can watch all the action from the Snug caf overlooking the ice rink which will be proving hot drinks and snacks. They can also check out the Edge of the Circle exhibition of large-scale extreme winter scene images by Andy Rouse in the Gallery shop.

Leeds City Council executive member for leisure Coun Adam Ogilvie said: "The Ice Cube is set to be a great hit again this year. The rink's popularity has seen it more than double in size since it first opened and it is now about the third of a football pitch.''

The Ice Cube is the largest temporary outdoor skating rink in the UK, with over 1,200 square metres of ready to skate-on real ice. Advance general bookings can be made at the City Centre Box Office.