Member Article

Characters named by North East youngsters

A magical duo, designed to spread seasonal sparkle across Sunderland, are being brought to life with help from two North East youngsters.

The Frostlings, who are spearheading a programme of festive entertainment in the city’s Frost Village, had, until now, been without first names.

But, following an appeal by their creators, Sunderland Business Improvement District, the brother and sister duo have been officially crowned Frostina and Spike.

Both names were among suggestions submitted by youngsters from across the North East, with Mia McCormick and Rebecca McKitterick finally chosen as the winning entrants.

Mia, 10, from Plains Farm, Sunderland, was inspired by a fellow Barnes School student for Frostina, while six year old Rebecca, from Newbottle, plumped for Spike thanks to the male character’s spikey hair.

The pair will now each receive a free family pass to the Frost Village, where visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including an outdoor ice rink offering daily skating sessions and classes for everyone from children to adults.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said: “This year’s seasonal schedule is one of the busiest, and most exciting, Sunderland has ever seen. Frostina and Spike Frostling will play a key part in that and we’re delighted that they have now finally been named.

“I would like to congratulate Mia and Rebecca on their winning entries and thank everyone who took part, we received some amazing suggestions.”

The Frostlings are part of a number of illustrated characters which have been created by the BID to add some unique magic to Christmas in Sunderland.

The duo will appear in and around the Frost Village, which is at the centre of the city’s seasonal activities programme, with a traditional Christmas market and fun fair also running nearby.

Christmas in Sunderland city centre officially gets underway on November 26, with a Gala Ice Extravaganza featuring stars from TV show, Dancing On Ice.

The Frost Village will then be open Sundays to Wednesdays from 10am to 8pm and Thursdays to Saturdays from 10am until 10pm, with a Christmas fun fair on the former Vaux site opening daily from noon.

The real open air ice rink at Keel Square will offer a range of activities for all abilities including skating lessons, ice discos and skating with princesses and super heroes.

The Frost Village will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and skating sessions for that date must be booked in advance.

For further information about the Frost Village or group bookings visit www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk. You can also keep up with Frostina and Spike by searching for The Frostlings on Facebook and Twitter.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .