All agreed! We need a permanent place to enjoy skating FOR more than a month the temporary ice rink has wowed crowds but yesterday Southampton said goodbye to its coolest winter attraction.

The rink was packed full of skaters cramming in the last opportunity to get their skates on.

Many said they wished there was a permanent rink.

Since it was opened on December 17 by ex-Neighbours and White Christmas star Craig McLachlan, over 11,000 visitors have donned a pair of skates and given it a go.

Everyone was enjoying the ice - and none more so than our Daily Echo competition winners Debbie Reed and Rebecca Vivian and their friends and families.

Rebecca and Debbie each scooped five tickets which were donated by Southampton Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club to promote skating in the city.

Debbie, 36, of Griffon Close, Bursledon Green, brought her husband, sister and friends.

Glorious Gaynor Rebecca, 31, of Rumbridge Gardens, Totton, took her 12-year-old son and his mates.

Another skater enjoying the rink was ex-Coronation Street actress and Dancing on Ice winner Gaynor Faye.

She wowed onlookers as she and skating partner Dan Whiston performed a breathtaking routine, showing just what is possible on a pair of skates.

She was in the city to promote her new fitness video Fit Friends.

The ice skating whizz said that this year's Dancing on Ice, which started on Saturday, was going to be a close competition.

She tipped actress Clare Buckfield and ex-England rugby star Kyran Bracken for success.

Gaynor also backed the campaign for a rink in Southampton.

She added: "It's simple - Southampton needs an ice rink. Ice skating is such a great way to stay healthy and have fun. It's a sport that the whole family can enjoy."