9:31am Saturday 1st December 2007
By Andrew Napier
HAMPSHIRE is again getting ready to put its skates on as Winchester Cathedral opens its ice rink for the second year.
Olympic gold medallist Robin Cousins and Gulf War veteran Allen Parton helped celebrate the opening of the rink and the German-style market in Cathedral Close.
Mr Parton - the face of the 2007 Poppy Appeal - took to the ice with Mr Cousins to show the ease with which wheelchair-users can skate.
The rink exceeded expectations by attracting 35,000 skaters last year, and will run until January 6.
The market, boasting 80 chalet-type stalls, will operate until December 16.
Cathedral receiver-general Adrian Munns said the aim was to attract 40,000 people and make the rink an annual fixture.
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