IT might feel like summer has only just about departed, but the ice is set at the Eden Project’s popular rink as it prepares to open for the 15th year in succession.

Since the rink first opened in November 2004 hundreds of thousands of skaters have taken to the ice on Cornwall’s only indoor rink under the stage canopy in front of the famous biomes.

A team of ice stewards has been training hard this week for the big opening on Saturday (October 13), with the rink in place all the way through to February 24, 2019.

Newcomers to the 24-strong team have been put through their paces by instructor Shelly Clarke.

Joanna Wyatt skated on the Eden rink as an eight-year-old and a decade later has just become an ice steward herself.

She said: “I would have ice-skating lessons at Eden for my birthdays and I remember my grandparents bringing me here quite a few times. I used to find it a lot of fun.

“There is a great sense of community here and it’s nice to come to work with a lovely team of people.”

Eden’s operations director, Neil Stark, said: “It’s really exciting for us to be opening our ice rink for the 15th year running. In that time we’ve welcomed many hundreds of thousands of people on the ice and so many who learnt to skate here as children are now getting their skates on regularly as adults.

“We have sessions to suit all ages and abilities, including a new Sunday morning family fun skate club, so there really is something to suit everyone.”

The ice rink will also be open throughout Halloweden which takes place across a fortnight this year from October 20 to November 4.

A roaring dragon and an 8ft-tall bird will be among many magical beasts and mythical creatures roaming the gardens which will be transformed into a mysterious world full of spooky fun.

Everyone will have the chance to come face-to-face with Sapphire the winged dragon, who will be wandering around wowing visitors with her loud roar.

They can also encounter a giant, flightless bird called Pongo, accompanied by his eccentric handler Bill Oddity, as the pair go on their playful walkabout around Eden.

There is also a chance to skate during the Little Monsters’ Ball on Saturday, October 27, from 6pm to 9pm.

The event costs £8 per person with an additional charge for ice skating. Bookings are recommended.

For all skating times and prices go to https://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on/ice-skating