IT was a Christmas treat they will never forget.

Patients at a children's hospice were given exclusive access to the temporary ice rink at the 900-year-old Winchester Cathedral yesterday.

About 20 youngsters from Naomi House took to the ice for an hour of festive fun in the presence of former Olympic figure skater Robin Cousins.

Robin, who won gold at the 1980 Games in Lake Placid, helped out as children in their wheelchairs were pushed around the rink by friends and relatives.

He said: "Children are fearless - but some of their mums and dads took a little time to get used to the ice."

The cathedral provided a dramatic backdrop to the rink, which was closed to the public to enable the Naomi House patients to make the most of the facility.

One of the youngsters involved was Nicole Pickard, 17, who suffers from a serious metabolic disorder and has been at Naomi House since it opened ten years ago.

Nicole was accompanied by her parents, Alison and Neil, from Hedge End.

Alison said: "I didn't realise you could put wheelchairs on ice, so today was a bit of a first."

For a full report and pictures see today's Daily Echo