As the big freeze begins to thaw out, North Wales Police are urging parents to ensure their children are aware of the dangers of melting ice after receiving many telephone calls reporting of children and adults skating and playing on iced ponds and lakes.

"We've received lots of calls from all over North Wales," said control room force incident manager, Inspector Paul McKeown.

"It cannot be stressed strongly enough the dangers of persons walking or playing on ice over an area of open water.

"We would encourage the assistance of parents to advise their children of the dangers accordingly," he added.

Ruthin councillor David Smith witnessed some of the dangerous behaviour when out walking in Cae Ddol park in Ruthin.

"There were people skating on the frozen ice and it is a great cause for concern, I would ask youngsters to heed the warnings of the police as you never know how deep a frozen lake could be," said Cllr Smith.

"They are putting their lives and others at risk. With the ages of the people who were doing, it they should know better."

Denbighshire Council's cabinet lead member for community safety, Cllr Sharon Frobisher, said: "We cannot stress enough the importance of this safety message during this cold snap.

"It is extremely important that parents ensure their children have got the message that while it may look like fun, they must not attempt to play on frozen lakes or ponds. If you are out and about in this weather, please enjoy it safely and responsibly."