YOUNGSTERS from Pendle schools have been invited to test the ice by skating to the end of term.

Traders in Nelson's Pendle Rise Shopping Centre had been worried that plans for a three day Christmas extravaganza could fall flat because children would be at school when an ice rink is put in the town to boost shoppers.

But Pendle Council's assistant regeneration officer Georgina Chislett said she has invited all the schools in Pendle to bring their pupils down and skate for a Christmas treat.

So far eight schools have taken up the offer.

Georgina said: "You can get 40 children on the ice rink and we've got eight schools coming down over the two days.

"We've guaranteed slots for them. There will also be slots for the general public and on the Saturday anyone can come and skate all day.

"We've got secondary schools and little tots coming down and there are clowns, stilt walkers and choirs to entertain them."

The Christmas extravaganza will run from December 16-18 and along with the ice rink there will be a snow machine and plenty of entertainment.

Special events will also be running in stores and at the Pendle Rise Shopping Centre.