YORK'S top judge got hot under the collar when schoolchildren ventured into a winter wonderland just outside his court.

Staff at the ice rink at the Eye of York tested out a public address system to help the youngsters' day out.

But the noise got a frosty reception when it penetrated through the walls of a courtroom in the adjacent crown court.

The Recorder of York, Judge Paul Hoffman, told barristers: "We have been promised there would be no intrusive noise. But I have never heard anything as loud as this before. It is impossible to work under these conditions. It is just impossible to concentrate."

A court official hurried outside to convey His Honour's comments to the ice rink staff and the microphone was immediately switched off.

Manager Archie Woodhead promised it would not be switched back on and said the rink had already apologised for the noise.

"It was the first time we have used it," he said. "We are very conscious that the court is there and we realise we have to work together. We try to be as helpful as we can and hope the ice rink can be enjoyed by everyone, including those who work in the court."

Staff make regular checks on noise levels. Mr Woodhead said generally the decibel readings were in the seventies and never exceeded 85, the maximum allowed for "background noise".

The judge's complaint is only the latest about noise in the Eye of York. In September, he complained about music from the merry-go-round which entertained children during the summer months.

In 2000, he halted a trial when the music of a marching band disturbed the courtroom hush. The band was taking part in a Freedom of the City parade by the officers and crew of HMS York which ended at the Eye. The trial did not resume until the martial music ceased.

Skating continued on the temporary ice rink despite the judicial displeasure. Since it opened ten days ago, the rink round the tree in the middle of the Eye of York has proved a big draw with children and adults. It will remain until after Christmas.