ORGANISERS of York's festive ice rink have hailed another successful year, with record numbers of skaters taking to the ice.

More than 40,000 people have tried the Ice Factor rink at the Eye of York during its seven-week run - up from almost 35,000 last year - and it looks set to return next year.

Spokeswoman Maria Farrugia said: "We would love to come back next year. We aim to do another seven-week season and continue to tweak it to get it absolutely perfect".

The rink is run by Malton-based Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, but the decision over whether it can return will be made by City of York Council, which owns the site.

Maria said organisers had been amazed by the number of skaters and the response from the public.

"We have had record numbers," she said.

"It has been a hugely successful season and the feedback we have receiving from the public has been amazing.

"We have had numerous people thanking us and people just saying how well it is organised."

She said the rink's impressive setting, in front of Clifford's Tower, the Castle Museum and the crown court, was a big factor in its success.

She added: "We have had quite a few foreign tourists who have been astounded. People who had come up from other cities said how well York compared to other rinks in London.

"It has been lovely to welcome people from across the country."

She said advice from ice marshals, including master classes from one of the world's top skaters - Svetlana Nalimova, a former member of the Russian National Figure Skating Team - had proved a big hit.

"A lot of people have walked away thinking they have got something out of it rather than just wobbling around on the ice," she said.

The rink is still open to the public until Sunday. It is open each day at 10am with the final skate from 8.30pm to 9.45pm.

Admission costs £7.95 for adults and £6.50 for children, with family packages and concessions available.

Coun Keith Orrell, executive member for leisure, said: "Council officers worked hard to with the Ice Factor organisation to get the ice rink to York this year. I am sure we will be trying to provide a similar facility for next year."