POOLE'S first synthetic ice-rink will be sliding into the town centre in February.

The thrills and spills and free fun will take place in Falkland Square for the February half-term week, as part of a new special events programme.

The town centre's first season of special events, called Poole is a Breeze, was launched at Breeze Volkswagen's Tower Park showroom.

Breeze Volkswagen, Wave 105FM and Poole town centre management, have got together to put on a different event every month.

"We are so pleased to be supporting the special events programme in Poole town centre as it enables us to give something back to our local community and help provide fantastic free events in Poole town centre for its visitors to enjoy," said John Corderoy, managing director of Breeze Volkswagen.

The fun begins with the switching on of the Christmas tree lights in Falkland Square on Thursday, November 17 and there will be a children's lantern procession and carol singing at the Guildhall on December 8.

There will be a Christmas continental market from December 10-13, a New Year, New You health and well-being day on January 28 and the ice-rink in February.

Town centre manager Helen Crawford said she and her team were excited by the new sponsors and the events programme.

"Their support will help us to enhance Poole town centre as a shopping and leisure destination and continue Poole's reputation as a family, safe and fun environment," she said.

Disappointed skaters in Bournemouth have recently learned that there will be no winter ice skating at the International Centre this year.

First published: November 11, 2005