SHAYNE Ward, star of Dancing on Ice and winner of the second series of the X Factor, glided into Altrincham Ice Dome on Tuesday.

Shayne, who made a shock exit from the skating show at the beginning of the month, was at the ice rink to take part in ‘sportivate’ lessons with some mums from the area.


The ‘learn to skate’ project is a six week course organised by Altrincham Silver Blades, Trafford Council and Manchester Greater Sport, which aims to give young mothers the chance to earn a new skill while their children receive free childcare provided by the council’s children and young persons’ services.


Sure Start staff looked after the toddlers at an onsite creche while Shayne and taught the mums some basics of skating and the children were later brought onto the ice to take part in Silver Blades’ parent and toddler session, designed for the under fives.


Jake Bennett, head of ice sports development and coaching at the dome, said: “With Shayne training at the rink for Dancing on Ice it was great to have him back at the rink to finish of this fantastic young mums project.


“I’d like to thanks Shayne for giving up his time and all the partners that allowed providing this free service.


“I’m looking forward to the future projects and hope we can introduce hundreds more people to ice skating.”


Altrincham Ice Dome has been working closely with Greatersport to deliver sportivate projects over the past 9 months, during which more than 500 people have taken part in free lessons from learn to skate, synchronised skating, speed.