Residents got their skates on to take to the ice in Watford.

Scores of people flocked to the town’s first outdoor ice rink, which was opened near the pond on The Parade on Saturday.

Rachel Neill visited the ice rink with her six-year-old daughter Poppy. She said: "I have lived in Watford all my life and we have never had something this good. 

"It was really good fun and it was the first time my daughter had been ice skating. She’s a natural and we will definitely be back.

"It’s nice to have something that’s a good way to exercise, but fun as well and it helps get you in a Christmas-y mood."

Residents were able to sample the Christmassy treats, including mulled wine and hot chestnuts, on sale at stalls by the rink. 

Fraser Stanley, 9, visited the rink with his family on Saturday.

He said: "It was so much fun. I’ve never been ice skating before and I fell over, but I got quite good at falling over in the end.

"It’s made me really excited for Christmas."

The rink organised by Watford Borough Council in association with Watford Palace Theatre, is open every day from 11am to 9pm - except Christmas and New Year’s Day - until January 4.

Tickets are available from www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk or 01923 225671.