IT IS believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

Not content with offering the usual mulled wine, tasty turkey and Christmas songs to help their punters get into the festive spirit, one Hampshire pub-restaurant has gone a step further.

The Toby Carvery in Bishopstoke has installed its very own ice rink in the car park to ensure families enjoy an extra special Christmas this year.

And last night skaters took to the ice for the first time after it was opened with a special performance by 16-year-old singer Meg Parkinson, from Bitterne, Southampton, who is part of band Insomia.

Landlord Allan Ince asked Blades Skating to open the attraction on his premises throughout December after he heard the family-run business had returned to Southampton.

James Hickman, from Woolston, started the business in the Canary Islands after being inspired by a Christmas film featuring an ice rink in Trafalgar Square in London.

He decided to return to the UK to spend time with family over the winter months and has brought one of his ice rinks back with him.

Allan said: “I wanted something for families to do and give something for the kids to do over the Christmas period. They used to have this out in the Canary Islands, so when I found out they were coming back I thought ‘brilliant’.

“I would like to think this is the only pub to have one. I think it’s quite unique. I think the punters are going to love it. I’ve had so many enquiries for it and a lot of people are coming up because of it so there’s been a really positive response.”

James added: “I just wanted to give something different to Eastleigh because it always seems like the town is forgotten about when anything happens.

“I think it’s the only ice rink at a pub. It’s the first one I’ve ever heard of.”

One skater who took to the ice last night was 14-year-old Wyvern College schoolgirl Lucy Adams. She said: “We have never had an ice rink in our local area before, so I’m really happy about it.”

The ice rink will be open from 10am to 10pm every day and until 3pm on Christmas Day until January 3.

Father Christmas will be joining skaters on the ice every Saturday and on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

• For more information call 023 8064 3106.