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But centre manager Matt Gouveia has warned that the rink needs even more support from the community, if it is to continue in future years.

The rink, which is sponsored by Butterfield, opened for business this year on 23 November and is set to remain open until 6 January, with skaters currently able to book hour-long sessions throughout the week.

Mr Gouveia estimated that between 70 and 80 people per hour used the rink.

But he insisted that numbers needed to rise if it was to return next year.

'For the entire season, including everything, it costs just under £200,000 to run,' he said.

'It's our eighth year running it and we do lose money on it every time, but we know how much the island appreciates it.'

The rink is able to function thanks to a blue liquid called glycol running underneath aluminium piping, which is located below the four-inch thick ice that is skated on.

And to keep the rink cold enough, three chillers are permanently switched on, at a running temperature of -10C.

'So much organisation and operation goes into it, which is why the cost is so high,' Mr Gouveia said.

'I'd be gutted if it wasn't able to continue, but we've lost a lot of money over the years.'

He thanked Butterfield for its sponsorship, as well as his team of eight colleagues, who he said did a 'fantastic' job in running it.

'My number two Steven [Veire], he's been of particularly great help to me.'

Skaters on Saturday afternoon were being careful not to fall over.

Frankee Green, 16, was trying ice-skating for just the second time.

'It's been a bit of a struggle so far,' he said.

'My girlfriend is somewhere on the rink, she's a lot better than me, I've been clinging onto the side for most of the time.'

Friends Ruby Potts, Brooke Nelson and Grace King, all 13, were getting in their first skate of the winter.

'Keeping your balance is the hardest part,' Ruby said.

Brooke said she had got good at skating last year, and so was frustrated that, 20 minutes into her first skate of this year, she still had not found her feet.

'I'm hoping I get back to the same level eventually.'

Niamh McGrath, 9, and Scarlett Kiddy, 10, were making use of a toy seal to ride around on.

'It's quicker without it but it's fun to push Scarlett,' Niamh said.

Scarlett said she had skated five times previously at Le Friquet, and hoped the rink would be around forever.

'I'd come every year, it's so much fun.'