BRIGHTON'S reputation as a top entertainment resort has been boosted after Holiday On Ice agreed to return to the town for the next four years.

Brighton and Hove Council has signed a deal for the skating extravaganza to be performed at the Brighton Centre until 2004.

Brighton has hosted the show for 22 years.

Deborah Grubb, council director of arts, recreation and tourism, said: "I am delighted that Holiday On Ice will be back in Brighton for another four years. It's a key part of our entertainment schedule for the town and is the longest-running show at the Brighton Centre."

The Dutch-owned production, which fuses theatre and dance, will return to the council-run venue next January.

And in 2002, a version choreographed by Brighton-based Robin Cousins will hit town.

But the former Olympic champion, who lives in Kemp Town, is not changing his plans to hang up his skates after starring for the last time in Holiday On Ice later this month.

He will bow out at a farewell performance at the Brighton Centre on January 30 before an audience including skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

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