THE mayor of Trafford got his skates on to celebrate the opening of a half term skating rink at Stretford Mall.


Cllr Dylan Butt, who was a keen skater himself in his youth, was only too pleased to get on the ice and swap skating tips with junior hockey players from Manchester Phoenix.


The rink, which is free to use, will be open until Saturday, February 22, from 11am to 5pm each day.


Colin McCrory, Stretford Mall manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor to the official opening of our half term skating rink.


“It was terrific that he took the time to actually join in the ice hockey demonstration which really created a buzz and encouraged other youngsters to have a go.


“The skating rink is a great, free half term activity for the whole family to enjoy so I would urge people to come and make use of it while they are out shopping with us.”


Cllr Butt said: “It’s fantastic to see this great, free skating rink for families to enjoy at Stretford Mall during the half term break and I have thoroughly enjoyed my chance to have a go and learn more about ice hockey with these talented, young players.


“I was a keen skater as a youngster myself as my school actually provided ice skating as one of our PE lessons at a local rink which was a great opportunity for me.


“It has given me life-long enjoyment of skating.”


For more information about the skating rink, visit stretfordmall.com.