The ice rink in Tunbridge Wells has closed, after Kent was placed in tier 4 by the government.

The rink in Calverley Grounds was intended to run until January 4, but the weekend's announcement, which saw more severe restrictions placed on the south east, has changed that.

Leisure facilities and group sports for adults are banned in tier 4 boroughs.

Tiers will be reviewed at the end of December.

The rink opened last month and closed yesterday, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council announced.

Refunds will be issued automatically.

Cllr Jane March, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and economics said: "This is more sad news when many people are already dealing with the upset of having Christmas plans curtailed by tier 4 restrictions.

"But, we must follow the guidance we’ve been given and do all we can to stop the spread of this virus.

"It was important to show confidence in the town and we tried to make the ice rink happen. We look forward to things improving and the return of the ice rink for Christmas 2021."

Editor's note: A competition for tickets to the ice skating rink running on KentOnline earlier this week has had to be cancelled, after the closure of the rink. We apologise for any disappointment caused.

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells