BASINGSTOKE Ice Skating Club's Show Team performed at the grand opening gala for Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market Ice Rink.

They were invited back after a great reception last year, they formed part of a skating show featuring British champion skaters Zoe Wilkinson, Graham Newberry and Christopher Boyadji.

The rink for the tenth anniversary of the Christmas market features a transparent roof and sides for the first time, guaranteeing a rain and leaf free experience.

The Show team performs every year to open seasonal rinks and is coached this year by former British champion and Olympic competitor Andrew Place, assisted by Aimee Churchley and Jessica Gill.

The team performed a high energy routine to the theme from The Polar Express, featuring a thrilling wheel spanning almost the entire width of the rink and lots of train themed moves.

Returning with Churchley and Gill from last year's team are Caitlin Williams, Chloe O'Donnell, Eliza Hubberstey and Emily Sheen, with new members Abigail Mortimore, Amy Keane, Annabelle Weir, Helen Weedon, Libby Mortimore, Lucie Bowden and Sophie Andrews.

Show team organiser Rob Williams said "The team is selected from club members based on their competitive skating level, commitment to club and availability.

"The team evolves each year as skaters improve and develop. They are the standard bearers and role models for our membership, as they perform a key public function to promote skating and our club."

Last year, the team raised over £750 for Salisbury Hospice and Heart FM's Make Some Noise charities, performing eight times at Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink and Wilton Shopping Village.

There are more dates to be announced for the team this year and they will be opening the club's Winter Gala on December 16 at 5.15pm.

The gala runs until 6.30pm and will feature a wide range of exhibition and competitive programmers from club members, as well as a final number featuring many of the club's members across all skating abilities.

Entrance to the gala is a suggested donation on the door of £2 per person and £5 for a family.

There will be a chocolate tombola, raffle and cake sale, as well as a stall selling skating accessories.

All funds raised go towards the club and helping its aim to offer accessible access to skating for all abilities, ages and demographics.

The club runs 52 weeks a year on Fridays from 5.15pm to 6.30pm and features a varied programme of events over the year including competitions, social activities, edge classes and, on Sunday mornings, ballet for skaters classes.

It acts as an ideal compliment to formal instruction or as a great way to keep progressing in skating once you have completed a learn to skate programme.

It costs just £20 a month to join club for the 2017 season with a £25 one off joining fee which includes a club gilet or fleece.

There is no formal level to join the ice club but members must have their own ice skates and ideally have completed or be on a Learn To Skate programme.

This allows them to maximise their use and enjoyment of club.

For more information, visit basingstokeiceskatingclub.co.uk