People in west Cumbria will be able to go skating in the historic 700-year-old ruin of Curwen Hall, where the rink has been constructed.

The £70,000 construction is three inches thick, and was given its first runout on Thursday evening in an ice hockey game between Whitehaven and Workington rugby league clubs.

The builders have been working closely with heritage experts from Allerdale Council and organisers Workington Regeneration.

'Stunning sight'

Many schools are to hold Christmas visits to the rink in the coming weeks.

Mark Fryer, leader of Allerdale Borough Council, which came up with the idea, said: "It is right in the centre of Curwen Hall - it is an absolutely stunning sight.

"It completely covers the courtyard of the hall, everyone has put a lot of hard work into it.

"Regeneration isn't just about buildings, it is about people, and this is for the people of Workington and the surrounding area."

The rink will remain in place for a month.