A BIT of EastEnd Christmas magic came to Reigate as Kingswood's own Shane Richie launched the town's first winter skating rink.
Mr Richie, who plays Alfie Moon in the soap, was joined by wayward on-screen wife Kat, otherwise known as actress Jessie Wallace, to witness the ups – and a few downs – at the Priory Park attraction on Sunday.
The rink had opened for a five-week stretch the day before and was the first experience of skating for many.
Beth Little, 23, and Harriet Conway, 22, from Earlswood, tried out skating along with friend Holly Miles.
"It was hilarious," said Beth after the trio made if off the rink in one piece.
"We had a few near misses but we didn't fall. We did go round holding hands though, so maybe that's cheating. It's definitely made us more Christmassy."
Harriet added: "The downhill was good but there's an uphill bit in the middle of the rink which was quite tricky."
Another skater, Maggie Brunyee, 8, a Priory Junior School pupil, said: "It is a bit tricky, it's my first time."
"It's my first time too," added her dad George, 42, a business analyst at eSure. "And I am about to lose my dignity."
Others watched from the safer side of the barriers.
Val Wingrove, owner of Gallery One in Lesbourne Road, Reigate, looked on as grandchildren Oliver, 7, and Madeleine, 5, had a go.
"It's not for grandmothers," she laughed.
The rink is the first venture by Surrey Entertainments, which was set up by Mr Richie and family members earlier this year.
It is open, along with refreshments, a helter skelter and carousel, until January 6.
