An ice-skating experience coming to the Cotswold Lakes will be one of the first in the country to offer sensory skating.

The Gateway Centre, South Cerney, at the edge of Europe's largest inland waterway, will play host to The Gateway Ice Arena from Friday 18 November to Tuesday 3 January 2023.

Whilst it will be open to all - families, couples, schools and companies - Gloucestershire's largest all-weather ice rink yet, with an impressive capacity of over 100 skaters, will also be offering sensory-friendly sessions.

Relish director Rob Goves said: "With around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK it is important that we try to include everyone.

"We are proud to offer designated sessions with reduced lighting, no music and 50 per cent fewer skaters on the ice. These sessions take place every Monday and tickets are available to book online. The rink will also offer full wheelchair access and for anyone requiring a chaperone can bring them along at no extra cost.

"The idea of hosting an ice rink at The Gateway has been fizzing in our minds for the past few years, and I'm thrilled the project is finally coming to fruition. It's great to be working alongside industry experts, with whom we have great relationships from our event catering division, to create a magical and memorable experience this festive season."

These sessions are easy to find under the "Sensory Friendly" section on their website. Head to: www.gatewayicerink.co.uk

Visitors to the site can also expect a number of food offerings, eco-friendly wood-fired pizzas, a classic British pie and mash, burgers, hot dogs, crepes and waffles. You can even toast your own marshmallows on an open fire.

The bar will be showing World Cup football on large screens and will be hosting regular DJ's in the evenings, where you can also enjoy a glass of mulled wine or cider.

Bookings for The Gateway Ice Rink are already open. Head to their website to book your sessions: www.gatewayicerink.co.uk