International skater Toni Murray, centre, who judged the ice skating championships at the York Designer Outlet, with York area finalists Karen Sked, left, and Louise Irving. The competition was won by a skater from Bradford

The Press, By Kate Liptrot

YORK’s ice rink has closed after drawing about 45,000 skaters to the attraction at the Designer Outlet.

Organisers at The Ice Factor at the retail park near Naburn said good weather and visitors travelling from across Yorkshire meant it had equalled the 2009 record number of visitors when it was last based at the Eye of York in the city centre.

The ice skating rink closed last night, having been open since the last week of November.

Maria Farrugia, executive producer of The Ice Factor, said: “We think we have managed to do the same as our most successful year, which is fantastic.

“We have wanted to make it a complete day out for the family. We have been able to hold lots more people on the ice as it’s bigger than it was at the Eye of York and people skating have had more space to show off their skills.

“We have had great weather this year. Warm conditions meant we have taken longer to freeze the ice but it’s better for the customer if it’s not too cold. We have not had too much rain either – all in all, it’s been fantastic.”

She said more than 100 schools had been to skate with people travelling from as far afield as Hull, Bradford and Doncaster.

The ice rink moved to the Designer Outlet from the Eye of York in 2010.

To mark the ice skating talent of visitors over the festive season, eight ice skating finalists were invited to compete in a freestyle skate off judged by British international skater Toni Murray, who won the silver medal at the 2010 British championships.

The winner of a trip to see Swan Lake On Ice was a skater from Bradford.

Miss Murray said: “This year’s first ever ice skating championships at York Designer Outlet, has been hugely successful and I believe we have uncovered some brilliant skating talent.”