IT’S an annual celebration that’s become something of a tradition.

And for this year’s Winchester Cathedral choristers, it was the best year yet, as both the boys and girls were invited to take to the ice today at the Inner Close.

This was the first time in the rink's 13 year-long history that the female group had been welcomed onto the ice alongside the males for the opening day.

Tickets to take a glide across the smooth surface are now available to the public at a cost ranging between £6.95 and £11 with numerous concessions and packages available.

Sessions run daily, with first starting at 10am and the last at 8pm.

The rink is here as part of the annual Winchester Christmas Market that opens tomorrow.

Last year, the market was recognised as one of the best in Europe.

It is open from 10.30am everyday, with all the wooden chalets open to browse.