EIGHTY-THREE children from Rossendale were being treated to a trip to the Ice Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach today.

The outing was part of the Rossendale Children's Day events and included free meals for the youngsters and the 20 helpers provided by one of the McDonald's restaurants in the resort.

It was organised by international ice skaters Alexei Kislitsyn and Natalia Pestova who arranged a similar trip last year.

Local youngsters have been provided with another chance to go ice skating this weekend on a specially built ice rink at the Old Cobblers in Rawtenstall.

The special weekend of events began yesterday. Natalia said: "It has been fantastic with about 70 people taking part."

The ice rink was due to be open from 10am -10pm again today, Sunday and Monday. Tomorrow it is free for children.

There will also be a chance to see the professionals in action with Alexei and Natalia, who live in Rawtenstall, performing a special show with young skaters from the Ice Arena.

There are other attractions for people both youngsters and adults to enjoy as well as a barbecue.

The event has been sponsored by Walker Farrimond. Rossendale Children's Day is registered as a charity on behalf of needy children in the area and the event, launched last year, is intended to be held annually.