HIGHWORTH town centre is to be transformed into a winter wonderland.

And as part of the town's Christmas lights' switch-on, visitors will be able to get their skates on and do some laps of an ice rink.

The attraction is being set up next to Market Square and will be open on November 30.

It is the first time in the town's history that it has had an ice rink.

Highworth mayor Richard Scotchmer said that it had got the town talking.

"It has created a lot of interest," he said.

"A lot of people have come up to me in the town saying how interesting it sounds and that they think it is a good idea."

The temporary rink has been made possible thanks to the work of the Highworth Community Partnership group, which secured grants for the scheme to go ahead.

"They are a separate body outside the council and they obtained the funds to try to help develop a community identity in Highworth," said Mr Scotchmer.

"It's all come about from that and it was just a case of finding the space to put it, which we have done.

"Normally we have rides, candy floss and other things for the children and this year we also have the ice rink.

"I hope people will enjoy it."

The rink opens at 5pm and skate hire will be available for anyone wanting it.

The skating will kick off the evening's Christmas festivities.

The main event starts at 6.30pm and Santa Claus will be making his way through the town at 6.55pm.

He will be taking time out from his busy Christmas Eve schedule to turn on the lights at 7pm.

Throughout the evening there will be a chance to meet Peter the Penguin, listen to the band playing carols and tuck into hot food to keep the winter chills at bay.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Mr Scotchmer.

"It should be a very enjoyable evening."

As reported in the Advertiser last week, Swindon town centre will also have an ice rink in the run up to Christmas.

It will stand on the former Post Office site in Fleming Way from November 23 until December 21, from 10am until 8pm.

The Highworth ice rink will be open from 5pm until 11pm, and then will be open again from 9am until 3pm on Saturday, December 1.