A SHOPPING centre has revealed exciting plans for an ice rink just in time for Christmas.

intu Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock is gearing up for a sparkly festive season with an ice rink covered by a crystal marquee.

Last year saw the shopping centre bring their Christmas Street and now intu Lakeside is planning new attractions for the festive period.

One of the main attractions will be a 600 metre squared - around the size of three tennis courts - ice rink which will be decorated in sparkling bright lights.

There will also be a bar serving festive drinks, the rink will open following the annual intu Lakeside Christmas light switch-on event on Saturday, November 12.

Tickets for the ice rink are available to book now and the latest attraction is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the centre.

The popular Christmas German market will also return with even more stalls than last year featuring rides, festive food and drink and much more.

The development of this year’s Christmas Village is part of intu Lakeside’s multi-million pound leisure development which will take place across the next couple of years and will include a Nickelodeon themed family attraction, a Travelodge hotel and lots more.

Ben Leeson, Marketing Manager at intu Lakeside, said the centre is delighted to be installing an ice rink for Christmas 2016.

He added: “This year, our customers can expect Christmas celebrations like never before with something for everybody to enjoy.

“This festive season will be a fantastic taster of what’s yet to come with the big leisure development.”