Skates that are perfect for dancing OFF ice

Ice skating without ice might sound a little difficult. But a new "off-ice skate" which mimics the real thing means enthusiasts won't have to find a rink to unlock their inner Torvill and Dean.

Fans of the new sport include twice British figure-skating champion Matthew Parr, 21, and the winners of ITV's Dancing On Ice, Dan Whiston and Haley Tammadon.

The boots, which are attached to wheels instead of a blade, are the idea of business partners Karen Coombes and Karen O'Niell. They saythey are not the re-invention of the rollerblade.

Ms Coombes, 46, a former professional skater and instructor, said: "At any one time you are balancing on no more than two wheels. You can do jumps, spins and manoeuvres usually performed on ice." Whiston performed an ice routine on the Royal Variety Show last year using the new hard-surface skates for the first time.

Ms O'Neill, 45, who submitted the idea to Dragons' Den in 2009, said: "Shows like Dancing On Ice have pulled in audiences of more than 10 million, so why not get people out of their armchairs and skating without having to track down a rink."