FORGET New York for this year's Christmas shopping you can get a taste of Fifth Avenue, complete with ice rink, at the Designer Outlet Village.

Swindon Services has won a major contract to run a state-of-the-art ice rink at the centre between November 18 and Dec-ember 22.

Just like the world famous Rockefeller Centre, which nestles amid the Big Apple skyscrapers, the outlet centre will boast a 14 by 14 metre square temporary plastic rink, catering for 60 skaters, which will be housed inside a specially designed canopy.

An authentic log cabin will be used to accommodate the skates, as an alternative to the traditional Santa's Grotto.

Alan Seabrook, who manages the ice rink at Swindon's Link Centre, said McArthurGlen awarded the contract to the council because of the expertise it has gained through the development of its own world class ice rink facilities.

He said: "Swindon Services are confident that we may secure similar contracts in the future as the popularity of temporary ice rinks for special events and promotions con-tinues to grow.

"We will also be able to pro-mote our own seasonal ice show at the Outlet Centre ice rink, which is an extremely valuable showcase for us."

McArthurGlen is organising a series of ice events for the one million customers who will visit the outlet centre during the festive season.

The rink will also be holding daytime sessions for local schoolchildren and the outlet centre will be working in conjunction with STEAM, the Museum of the Great Western Railway, in order to offer companies the chance to hold a staff Christmas party with a difference.

Swindon Services will run the facility for McArthur Glen. Staff will be responsible for bookings, maintenance, health and safety, coaching, and will also regularly re-grind and resurface the rink to keep it in tiptop condition.

Also on hand for coaching and performances will be Swindon Services' own resident ice-skating star Andrew Seabrook, the only British male to win double gold in both the free and pairs competitions.

Iona Carter, marketing manager from McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Centre, said: "We feel this is a great chance to offer something a bit different for our shoppers, the local community and business within the area."