People urged to 'give it a go' as revellers ice skate on Nottinghamshire park flood water

Ice skating children have been making the most of the rare combination of flooding and freezing temperatures at a Nottinghamshire nature reserve. The brutal conditions have caused some suffering across the county, with dozens of roads closed due to swelling rivers.

The region has also been hit by sub-zero temperatures, resulting in the issuing of an amber cold health alert which is due to last until Tuesday, January 14. But some children - and adults - have taken advantage of the conditions.

People have been partaking in impromptu ice skating sessions on frozen-over flood water in Lady Bay, where temperatures dropped to as low as -4C overnight. Photos on social media have shown people gliding across the water in their own skates at the Hook Nature Reserve on Saturday, January 11.

Their initiative has earnt the admiration of local councillor Richard Mallender, who encouraged others to join in. "I was quite impressed they were in actual ice skates," said the Green Party representative, who sits on Rushcliffe Borough Council.

"It's not very deep, just a couple of inches. People have been skating over it and that's great. It's like an added attraction for the area.

"It's not happened before to my knowledge. We don't tend to get such hard winters here in West Bridgford so make the most of it while you can. Go and give it a go. Be careful but give it a shot, and be careful on the paths getting down there."