THE Christmas toy appeal is taking to the ice thanks to a donation from The Link Centre.

Beneficiaries of this year's appeal will have the chance to see Robin Hood on ice for free following the centre's kind decision to present the Adver with 200 tickets to the show.

This year's production begins its run on December 14.

Ice rink manager, Alan Sea-brook, said: "To sum up the show, there will be two hours of fun, frolics, and fantasy."

What will be more remarkable throughout the performances is the role played by people who have little skating experience.

Alan's son, Andrew, 23, is starring alongside fellow skater Tiffany Sfikas. They are the British Senior Pairs Champions of 2000 and are heading to Basingstoke tomorrow in a bid to retain their title.

Andrew said: "This show isn't just for excellent skaters which is what makes it so great. Even if you can skate just a little bit we welcome people to take part."

To book tickets at £6.50 each, call (01793) 465435.

"We have a two-year-old girl with a cameo role and a 77-year-old lady so it really does cater for everyone.

"Rehearsals started in September and we have been practising twice a week since then."

Tiffany, 24, has spent the last three years in Swindon following a move from Chicago.

She said: "It really is so much fun. It combines aspects of ballet, singing and, of course, skating. We're really looking forward to performing it."

Carole Jamieson, 38, is the principal team manager of the ice rink. She says the decision to donate to the appeal followed the recent articles in the Adver featuring the groups set to benefit.

She said: "We help charities throughout the year such as Age concern and Social Services but the stories in the paper over the last few weeks made us think it was a very deserving cause.

"Hopefully people will be able to come along and really have some fun. The cast go into the audience too. It's great family entertainment."