SOUTHAMPTON could get its very own ice rink in the city centre in the run-up to Christmas.

Thousands of people could get their skates on if the plans are given the go-ahead by city leisure bosses.

Civic leaders are hoping to bring a temporary rink to Guildhall Square - as well as continuing the hugely successful German Christmas market in Above Bar for the third year running.

They are also planning to spend around £45,000 on Christmas lights in the High Street and will be decking out the historic Bargate which will be covered with lights and ivy.

Cash to pay for the lights will come from sponsorship from local businesses and a £50,000 grant from the city council over a three-year period.

The ice rink - which will cost around £135,000 - could be in place from the middle of December until the end of January.

Shoppers will once again be able to sample the very best that Germany has to offer with the hugely popular German Christmas market.

The smell of sizzling Bratwurst and the taste of authentic German wines and beers, as well as traditional German hand crafted items are expected to draw shoppers in from across Hampshire and beyond.

It will be opened officially on Saturday, November 18 and will run until December 23 if final approval is given to the scheme.

Ian Rothwell Southampton's city centre manager told the Daily Echo: "Southampton is going to be the place to be this Christmas.

"As well as the possibility of an ice rink, there will be additional Christmas lights, festive markets in the Bargate, the popular German Christmas market plus entertainment in the streets and shops open until late.

"So get your skates on and be involved in Southampton's best Christmas ever."