Cheltenham will be getting a covered ice rink in 2020 as part of a Christmas Wonderland that will transform the town's famous Promenade.

The town's Business Improvement District have announced plans for the Cheltenham Christmas Wonderland, with the Imperial Gardens rink central to the scheme.

Cheltenham BID have led the way for an expanded Christmas Market and the outdoor Imperial Gardens Bar to be given a Christmas theme in time for the Festive period.

Plans for an ice rink were approved by the Borough Council's planning committee last year, with it originally marked for the corner of the gardens nearest to the Quadrangle building.

However, the ongoing refurbishment of that building will mean the BID have asked for the rink to be moved to the quadrant of the gardens closest to The Queens Hotel.

The BID also want to expand the Christmas Market with stalls on pavements at the Long Gardens and on either side of The Promenade close to the ice rink.

This will be in addition to the traditional Christmas market area on the pedestrianised Promenade in front of Cavendish House.

The ice rink operators will be 11th Hour, who have run successful rinks across the country, including Cardiff's Winter Wonderland in 2019/20.

Like the Cardiff rink, the Cheltenham rink will be covered, with the BID saying it will be the only one in Gloucestershire to offer skating whatever the weather. The rink will have glass sides and a transparent roof.

The proposal has been welcomed by neighbouring businesses.

Erol Uray, General Manager of the Queen's Hotel, said: "We're delighted that there will be a new ice rink on our doorstep as part of the Christmas offer in Cheltenham this year.

"Town centres need to change to attract a wide range of customers and, with the rink, an expanded Christmas market and another spectacular lights display, Cheltenham will be able to compete with the best."

Cheltenham BID Director Kevan Blackadder said: "We believe the ice rink and expanded Christmas markets would bring something different to Cheltenham this year.

"We're delighted to be working with The Cheltenham Trust on their proposals for the Imperial Garden Bar, which will also help create a great visitor experience."