An 'educated gamble' to install an ice rink at a theme park over the festive period has paid off - according to the attraction's manager.

Adam Noble, who took over as general manager of Pleasurewood Hills this year, invested in an ice rink for its Christmas period, which saw the park open for one week in December.

The rink, which was new this year, sat in place of the bumper car track circuit and was put to good use by visitors coming to see Woody's Christmas Spectacular.

Mr Noble said: 'I had noticed ice skating is becoming an increasingly popular family activity, so I would say it was an educated gamble - though a gamble nonetheless.

'I think it has gone really well. You never know how these things are going to turn out, but I was surprised by just how well supported it is.'

During the park's usual opening season, the rink will be stored away to allow the bumper car to return, however, Mr Noble said it will return for Christmas 2018.

Mr Noble's maiden year at the park also saw a full renovation of Woody's Castle, which had been out of action a number of years, to allow the Christmas performance to go ahead.

Running between Monday, December 18, and Christmas Eve, the shows saw the park's ever-popular mascot Woody Bear and friends star alongside Father Christmas in a fantastic festive feature.

Mr Noble said: 'Our aim for the shows was to have the theatre at around 70pc capacity for each performance, however, it looks like we have exceeded that, so we're delighted.'

Reflecting on his first year in charge, Mr Noble said he was satisfied with what had been achieved so far, but that he and his new management team still had a lot to learn.

He said: 'I'm feeling really positive about 2018. We have lots of new things planned, including a new indoor play area.

'I've also recognised that perhaps in the past food and refreshments have not given quite the value for money they should, so we are focussing on rectifying that too.'