MP gets her skates on at Stretford Mall (From Messenger Newspapers)

Stretford and Urmston MP gets her skates on at Stretford Mall

2:00pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News

MP Kate Green got her skates on with the help of talented young skaters to the official opening of Stretford Mall’s half term ice rink.

The Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston was there to officially open the free synthetic rink, which is open over half term until February 24, from 11am to 4pm.

She was joined by budding young ice stars from Altrincham Silver Blades ice rink who were under the watchful eye of their head coach Jake Bennett – a former three times British figure skating champion.

The talented youngsters gave a short display for Kate before helping her take to the ice herself.

Kate said: “It is great to see the kids enjoying themselves and I have certainly had a great time trying it out for myself.

“The fact it is free is also a terrific bonus because we know there are a lot of families out there feeling hard pressed and so we are very appreciative to Stretford Mall for putting something like this on during the school holiday.

“It is really bringing people down to the mall too which is great, children playing on the ice, mum, dads and grandparents watching them and smiling, it’s creating a really happy and fun atmosphere.”

Several of the mall’s retailers are also offering special discounts and offers to fit in with the half term treat.

Joining Kate at the official opening was Mike Russell, Stretford Mall operations manager, who said: “The ice rink was such a big hit last year that we knew we had to put it on again.

“Stretford Mall is at the heart of the community and being indoors means we are not restricted by the weather so it is important for us to provide activities during the school holidays.

“We know mums and dads appreciate it and hopefully it turns an ordinary shopping day into a great fun trip out for the whole family.”

Helping her children on with their skates was Stretford mum Andrea Burns who works as a play manager.

She was at the rink with her children Daniel, nine, Georgia, eight and their friend Olivia, 10.

Andrea said: “We came last year and the children have been looking forward to coming back to do it this year.

“We like to go swimming too and so we have a very full and active day today with skating at Stretford Mall this morning followed by a trip to the pool this afternoon.

“During the school holidays, you are always looking for things for them to do and as this is free, it is even better.”

For more information about events, offers and discounts at Stretford Mall, go to www.stretfordmall.co.uk