TWO stars of the ice skating world are set to turn teacher as they pass on their skills to North-East novices next week.

European skating champion Oscar Peter and former Dancing on Ice professional skater Kate Stainsby will offer coaching to people of all ages and abilities at a series of lessons at Darlington’s outdoor ice rink in the town’s Market Square.

Swiss figure skater Mr Peter, who has won silver and bronze medals in national competitions and, with skating partner Leonie Krail, was the 2006 and 2008 Swiss national ice dancing champion, said: “I’m really glad to have been asked to come. I’ve heard Darlington is lovely and I’m very much looking forward to teaching everyone how to skate."

His coaching partner MsStainsby partnered singer Vanilla Ice in 2011 and actor Gary Lucy in the final series of Dancing on Ice earlier this year.

“I am very excited to get Darlington skating,” she said. “It is the perfect festive activity for all ages and standards and I hope as many people as possible will get their skates on in the run up to Christmas.”

The courses will be comprised of four lessons over a two week period, with differing time slots for various age groups.

The lessons will be held on Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23 and on Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30 and must be booked as a course.

Lessons will be held between 10am and 10.30am for six to 12-year-olds, from10.30am and 11am for 13 to 17-year-olds and from 11am to 11.30am for those aged 18 and over.

The courses cost £50 (£12.50 a lesson) and must be booked and paid for in advance by calling 01325-463002 or emailing admin@distinctdarlington.co.uk