Plans have been unveiled to bring an ice-skating rink to Bury St Edmunds for Christmas 2023.

Our Bury St Edmunds, which runs the Business Improvement District (BID) and arc Shopping Centre are working with partners to install the feature over the festive period in December and January.

The synthetic ice rink will be one of the most advanced available, giving the closest possible experience to real ice without impacting the environment or using high energy to keep the rink frozen.

Chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds, Mark Cordell, said: "The ice rink we installed at arc Shopping Centre for Christmas 2015 was incredibly successful, despite the fact that we had unseasonably warm weather while it was here.

"We are mindful of the environmental effect as our winters get warmer and the very high energy costs now and were delighted when we discovered how much more advanced the synthetic rinks have become since then."

The rink will be able to cater for up to 25 skaters at a time and will be located in Charter Square.

Allan Hassell who manages arc Shopping Centre and is also vice-chairman of Our Bury St Edmunds, said: "I know how popular ice-skating in Charter Square was last time and I am really excited to be able to offer it here again.

"With the Christmas lights twinking all around it will be a marvellous festive treat for all ages."

The exact details of skating times are still being arranges and the organisers would like for all sessions to be free of charge.

Skates and skate-aids to help people will be provided by Odin Events, who are working with Our Bury St Edmunds and arc to put the event on.

The skating rink is expected to be in place from December 14 to January 3.