A DRY ice skating rink, believed to be the first in York, is to be opened to visitors on Easter Monday and Tuesday at Asda at Monks Cross.

The 30 foot square synthetic rink will be in the car park and money raised from the £1 charge will go towards the York Against Bullying campaign, being run by the NSPCC and the City of York Council.

Wendy Neale, events co-ordinator at the store, said: "This is no April Fool's joke. We are definitely turning our car park into an ice rink for our customers and the public.

"We are always striving to give our customers the ultimate shopping experience and that includes having fun and trying something that little bit different."

She said the store was the first to host such an event in York.

Paul Williamson, general store manager, said: "After the stunning success of our drive-in move and firework parties, this is another first for York and we are all looking forward to it.

"I'm sure our customers will find it a unique and exciting experience."

The ice rink will be open from 10am until 5pm on both days. There will be a limited number of skaters permitted at any one time for safety reasons. The £1 charge includes boot hire.

Updated: 08:25 Friday, March 15, 2002