Former Olympic ice dance champion Jayne Torvill last night opened Brighton's first outdoor ice rink.

More than 300 tonnes of ice was shipped in to form a temporary rink at Brighton Marina.

Jayne, who shot to fame winning the 1984 Winter Olympics gold medal with partner Christopher Dean, lives in Mayfield near Crowborough.

Ice dance fans can get their skates on to pick up some tips from Jayne on Saturday, as she raises money for charity.

She said: "I will be teaching here at the marina all day with money going to James House children's hospice, which I am the patron of.

"The rink is excellent. It's not full-size but it's big enough for people to learn to skate and have fun.

"It has a very Christmassy feel and it's lovely to skate outside in the winter."

It will cost £1 per minute to be taught by Jayne on the rink, which was created by fellow Olympian, Robin Cousins' company.

Robin, who is touring with Holiday on Ice, will be testing out the rink for himself on December 22.

Cousins Entertainments' production director Stephanie Jarman said other events were also planned.

She said: "On Sunday, there will be a carnival day opening party with magicians, clowns and fire-walking.

"The fire-walking will have to take place on the edge of the ice or we might get some worrying hissing."

Waterfront manager Neil Gravett said he was delighted visitors could enjoy the festive season by shopping and skating.

The ice rink, together with the reinstated Burning the Clocks parade, form the centre-piece of the Brighton and Hove Winter Festival, which marks the climax of the city's year of culture.

Councillor Jackie Lythell, who chairs the where else? campaign, said the festival was a fitting conclusion to the year.