Stoop to conga skating moves

The neighbours may well be doing the Cresta Run in St Moritz but, quite frankly, they are behind the times.

This year, anyone who is anyone is doing the Conga at Somerset House.

As ways of seeing in the New Year go, it may seem less exotic than a holiday in the Swiss Alps, but at £8 per adult ticket it is also less expensive and, as these pictures show, just as much fun.

For the second year running, and with the Evening Standard's support, Somerset House's neoclassical courtyard has been transformed into a stunning open-air ice rink.

Bigger than last year, and boasting super-strength chillers that prevent a repeat of last year's mini meltdown, the rink can accommodate 200 skaters each hour, or 2,000 per day. The abilities of those skating appear to be varied with many - young and old - having a job just to remain upright.

Among those wobbling round the ice were nine-year-old twins Natalie and Charlie Jennings, from Eltham. "I haven't fallen over once," boasted Natalie, while Charlie said: "I'm quite good and I can do a turn." Ten seconds later, both were sent sprawling.

Their parents Sandra and Colin contented themselves with watching from the sidelines. "I've got a dodgy back," said Sandra. "I'm keeping Sandra company," added Colin. Australian Jim Dennis, who is staying with his sister in London for the New Year, was with his children Alexander, nine, Hamish, six, and their eight-year-old friend Emma Kutner, from north London.

"We have a similar outdoor rink in Melbourne but the setting is nothing like this," said Mr Dennis. "This is spectacular, and the children can't wait to get on the ice."

Each session on the ice lasts an hour, but artist Alex Todd, 25, made a day of it with a picnic. Miss Todd brought her friend, actress Louisa Pink, 25, and her 54-year-old mother Anne Todd, from Hatfield. "This is my Christmas present to them," she said. "It was either a health farm or this, which is cheaper and much more fun."

Mrs Todd was delighted with her unusual present but suffering from last-minute nerves. "I have skated before, in Canada, but it was 30 years ago, so I'm rather worried," she said. "Still, it is very beautiful here , just like New York."

The rink, which is also sponsored by the Wallpaper Group, is open from 10am to 10pm until 20 January, except December 31st, when the hours are 10am to 4pm, and January 1st when it is open from noon until 10pm.

For details call the Somerset House Ice Line on 020 7845 4670 to find out about packages and lessons.