SHOPPERS are being told to get their skates on and head to Nelson for their Christmas presents.

For the town is guaranteeing shoppers a white Christmas - by bringing in an ice rink and snow machine to boost festive trade and skate away from the building problems which have plagued businesses all year.

Town-centre bosses are planning a Christmas extravaganza from December 16 to 18 with the synthetic rink centre stage by the gable end wall of the new extension to Pendle Rise Shopping Centre.

Pendle Council's assistant regeneration officer Georgina Chislett said: "We want to create a magical Christmas shopping environment and the ice rink and entertainment we have lined up will assist us to do this."

But traders say the scheme has not been thought through properly because youngsters will be at school most of the time and the town is not offering late-night shopping.

The ice rink will be free to use and supervised by two members of Promo Ice Magic who are supplying the attraction. Skaters can also compete for prizes including a DVD player and mini hi-fi system donated by Nelson's branch of Argos.

People wanting to warm up after spending time on the ice or simply take a break from shopping can get their hands on one of 100 Italian hot chocolates from Aromas cafe on December 18 or mince pies and sherry at the Admiral Market Place on December 16.

Meanwhile there will be face painting, stilt walkers, choristers a New Orleans jazz band and a special guest appearance from Clarets mascot Bumble Bee to entertain shoppers.

Father Christmas will be at Pendle Rise Shopping Centre on December 18 when youngsters can also make reindeer and snowmen masks.