SKATERS from as far away as the south coast swapped snow for ice to compete in the Grimsby Open Free Skating Competition.

Judges rated competitors in 15 categories in an impressive day of skating at Grimsby Ice Rink, including performances from the girls of locally-based Grimsby Ice Skating Club.

And they did the town proud – Grimsby Ice Skating Club's Rhiannon Parker-Nicholls came first in her category and Jasmine Tolley was awarded a cool third for her spell on the ice in one of the biggest sections, which had 16 entrants.

The girls rehearse up to five times a week, heading to the rink as early as 6am – but fear this competition may be one of the last at the rink.

As reported, it is likely to be closed in 2014 when the gas used to refrigerate the rink will be outlawed due to new safety regulations. Looking forward, North East Lincolnshire Council's plans for leisure facilities do not include an ice rink.

Courtney Green, 13, of Grimsby, skates four times a week, coming to the rink before school.

"This competition proves that the ice rink brings lots of tourism to the area – people have come from all over the country," she said.

"This is the only rink in the area and lots of people come to use it.

"A lot of people from Grimsby need the rink and if it were to go, most of us would have to give up.

"I come to skate before school sometimes, so if I had to go to Hull to skate, that would not really be possible."

Lottie Foulston, 11, also of Grimsby, said: "They should be thinking of building a better rink, not closing this one."

Tory Thomas, 39, of Scartho, who takes her daughter Amelia Thomas to skate at the rink, said: "The contest is a marvellous event and this rink is a great facility.

"As a single parent, I can't afford to sent my daughter to Hull or Sheffield to skate every week. Having this rink right here on our doorstep is a godsend."

Craig Tolley, 40, of Cleethorpes, plays ice hockey, as do his two sons, and his daughter is a figure skater.

He said: "Ice skating is putting Grimsby on the map. There are hundreds of people here today to take part in the skating competition.

"There are also three men's hockey teams and six teams for under 20s who are doing really well.

"Grimsby has been beating teams from big cities such as Nottingham and Coventry, so it is a good advert for the town.

"A lot of the younger kids are starting to play at a higher level and training with area-wide teams, but without regular practice that comes from having a rink here, it would be difficult for them to maintain that standard.

"The young people who figure skate and play ice hockey here show a lot of dedication and it is not fair to reward their achievements by closing the rink."

What do you think?

Let us know what your thoughts are about the future of the ice rink by e-mailing viewpoint@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or by commenting on this story.

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