Merlin Attractions Ltd has applied for planning permission to bring the popular ice rink back to Warwick Castle this Christmas.

Part of the castle's range of festive events, the ice rink is expected to bring over 30,000 visitors to the town.

And if approved, the castle will be given temporary permission for the rink to be in place from November 1 to January 31 for both of the next two winters.

The application submitted to Warwick District Council said: "The proposed temporary ice rink will operate over the Christmas period. 

"It will complement the outdoor light trail and help to diversify the offer at the Castle, attracting visitors and in turn providing a vital boost to revenue. 

"The winter period is a 'quieter' time for visitors and Warwick Castle's managers want to try to boost numbers at this time of year to assist with the recovery of this attraction."

The plans show the rink would be built in the grounds to the north east of the castle, next to Guys Tower.

As well as the 745 square metre rink, a skate exchange and three tech zones would be built.

Merlin also 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.

"The economic benefits would constitute a heritage benefit without causing any physical or lasting harm to the affected heritage assets, albeit some visual change during the winter over the three-month period," the application said.

It added: "A temporary ice rink has successfully operated at the Castle in previous years and provided valuable economic benefits not only for the Castle itself but also the wider Warwick area. 

"The seasonal presence of an ice rink, which is complementary to the outdoor light trail, is essential for overcoming the impacts of COVID-19 on revenue and maintaining viability as a visitor attraction. 

"This viability makes it possible to continue investment in heritage maintenance projects and support for local community initiatives."

The application can be seen in full here.