DANCING on Ice has returned to TV, with another line-up of celebrities hoping to skate their way to the final - or, in some cases, just stay on two feet.

Bradford Ice Arena has a long association with the ITV show, with several contestants training there over the years, including Gaynor Faye, who won the first series, Hayley Tamaddon, former Bradford City player Lee Sharpe and Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden.

When the ice rink opened in 1966 as Silver Blades it was described as “the finest rink in the world”. With coloured lighting, sparkling chandeliers over the ice and a plush bar and restaurant, it was hugely popular. It opened with a gala performance featuring British skaters who’d just returned from the World Championships, including John Curry.

The rink survived a closure threat in 1991 when more than 4,000 signatures were presented to the council calling for it to remain open. Pictured above are skaters on the rink when it was Silver Blades back in January 1966.