Party like it's 1984 - a rink that had bikes on ice

Ice speedway took place at the rink for about 25 years, and the likes of disco and speed skating got the punters packing in

In the year that Torvill and Dean wowed the ice dancing world at the Winter Olympics with that Bolero performance - a rink threw open its doors to almost instantly become a key part of town.

Now 40 years later, Telford Ice Rink is going to party like its 1984, hosting special 80s fancy dress and disco sessions to toast its birthday in style.

First opened in October - when the likes of Culture Club and Wham! topped the charts - staff say they will be "rolling the tunes and the prices back to the 80s".

Events include the disco and speed skating sessions on Friday evening, before a fancy dress competition and disco steps out onto the ice on Saturday.

Angela McClements from the council and Mark Gray, operations team leader at the rink, are preparing for a weekend of celebrations at the venue

Telford and Wrekin Council, which wants people to share memories on social media, said the venue has been an "integral part of the town centre", ever since it opened.

Telford Tigers ice hockey team use the rink for their home games and training, and the council said skating lessons and competitions, figure skating lessons, disco nights, family disability sessions and "tots on ice", are all regular events.

Over the decades, it has also hosted Disney galas and concerts including performances by Status Quo and T'Pau.

For about 25 years it was also the base for competitive ice speedway before, in 2012, it closed temporarily for a £4m refurbishment.

"The venue has been drawing in visitors from across the region and from across the border in Wales and still provides fantastic entertainment value as well as a first class facility for improving and achieving skating skills," said council cabinet member Angela McClements.

She said customers who come down to enjoy the busy weekend of celebrations will enjoy a reduced entry price of just £4.