The popular ice rink will return to Warwick Castle this Christmas after temporary planning permission was granted by Warwick District Council.

Merlin Attraction Ltd had applied for the rink to be in place from November 1 to January 31 for both of the next two winters, saying it would bring a further 30,000 visitors to the town each year.

The application said winter is a "quieter time" for the castle and the rink would help "diversify the offering" at the tourist attraction.

Approving the plans a WDC report said: "The contribution that the castle makes to the economy of the town and region is significant and the benefits of the development in terms of supporting the castle in its function as a major tourist attraction for the town (and region) is a material consideration to the assessment of the scheme."

It added: "In light of the additional supporting information and evidence that has been forthcoming during the course of this application, it is therefore recognised that the proposal has the potential to help Warwick Castle remain a market leading visitor attraction."

As well as the 745 square metre rink next to Guys Tower, a skate exchange and three tech zones will be built each year.

Merlin said access to the rink will not require a ticket to enter the castle "and therefore provides more access to the community over the Christmas period".

The application says 38 seasonal jobs would be created and up to £100,000 would be generated in revenue for the food and drink retailers within the grounds of the castle.