A SPECIAL needs ice-skating group were offered a reprieve from the drama of the Absolutely Ice closure as they got their skates back on.

Special People on Ice (SPICE) returned to the ice in the first of four free Sunday morning sessions offered to them by Windsor on Ice, the temporary ice rink in Alexandra Gardens, Windsor, which will give SPICE a chance to practice weekly right up until the new year.

SPICE had been without access to ice since Absolutely Ice in Slough shut for refurbishment at the end of October.

Slough Borough Council had promised to provide a temporary ice rink by mid-November, however it was revealed in The Observer last week that the council is still yet to strike a deal with the provider of the stopgap arena, amidst rumours that no work has actually started on the old site.

As the group were left in limbo waiting for news regarding the temporary rink, SPICE staff had been keeping the youngsters entertained by going bowling and trampolining in recent weeks, and they were finally able to get back to the ice in Windsor on Sunday.

The SPICE Jets ice hockey team took to the ice bright and early at 8am for a training session, followed by a regular ice skating lesson at 9am for the rest of the SPICE group.

Jo Hodgson, Secretary of SPICE, said: “Everyone had a really wonderful time, there was party like atmosphere. We are truly grateful to Windsor on Ice who have stepped in to help us at this time. They could not have been more helpful with their staff coming in early to accommodate us."

Despite no agreement being in place, Slough Borough Council maintain that the temporary rink will be opened on Saturday, December 17.