AROUND 4,000 people enjoyed the thrills and spills of the fourth annual Christmas Ice Show in Abergavenny Market Hall.

Families had a fun day out with a range of free activities, with the synthetic ice rink the most popular as youngsters (and their parents) queued for up to an hour just to spend 10 minutes falling over.

Volunteers from the Borough Theatre Management Committee helped the children to put on their skates and other stewards were provided by Abergavenny Rotary Club.

There were circus skills workshops, face painters from Brynmawr and Cwmbran, a visit from Santa Claus himself and a live broadcast from Valleys Radio.

The money to pay for the free event normally comes from the Bryn y Cwm area budget, but this year funding was also provided by the Abergavenny Chamber of Trade and Commerce and local traders Mirage, Robert Price, Keith Price, Trading Post, I J Caddick, Llansantffraed Court Hotel, Shackletons, Waitrose, Abergavenny Renault, Judd Brothers, Nicholls, King's Head Hotel, Homes of Elegance, Caboodles, Nantiago, Aquarod, Thomas Smith, H J Edwards, Greyhound Vaults, Usk Valley Fluids, Abacus, Market Street Fish Bar, Richards, Hen and Chicks.