There’s nothing quite like Christmas to get you in the mood for a bit of snow and ice.

But with a distinct lack of the white stuff around the Thames Valley at the moment, you might have a bit of difficulty if you fancy trying your hand at a bit of winter sports.

But with Bracknell Ice Rink only a 15 minute drive away, you don’t have to go too far.

OK, so it might not be Lapland, but the family ice disco sessions at the John Nike Leisure Centre are the next best thing.

Its family ice disco is brilliant fun for those who have a bit more nerve than me, and youngsters of all ages can really let off steam. The rink-side DJ is on hand to play all the latest sounds and the atmosphere is brilliant.

There’s plenty of space for spectators too and an on-site café serving drinks and snacks.

Family disco sessions run on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm, with sessions for teens and adults on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The John Nike LeisureSport complex is also home to a fabulous dry ski-slope, and the awesome Cresta Run toboggan ride which winds around the dry slope.

Bracknell Bees ice hockey team play their home games at the Hive on Sunday evenings, (face off at 6pm) and the Superleague games are fantastic fun for spectators.

They take on Sheffield Steelers on Sunday at Bracknell, where a match ticket entitles you to a free skate session at the evening disco and includes skate hire.

For further details, contact the John Nike Leisuresport Complex on (01344) 79000.