HUNDREDS of skaters rediscovered “their happy place” after a historic Colchester skating brand returned to the rink five months after closing down.

Rollerworld, which shut its Moorside site in November, hosted its Back In The Skate of Things event at Charter Hall, in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester on Saturday.

Over the course of the almost 11-hour event DJs dropped beats against a backdrop of smoke and lasers as an estimated 700 skaters of all ages zipped around the venue.

The fun-filled day also featured the familiar faces of previous stewarding staff, providing event-goers with a homely feel, as well as a Demon Xtreme onsite shop.

The event, decorated using a lightning-rig and props taken from the original Rollerworld rink, was also attend by Colchester mayor Tim Young and High Steward Sir Bob Russell.

Anne Khan, who co-owns Rollerworld with husband Jason, said: “It was much more successful than we thought and we got nothing but positive comments.

“It was a really, really great day and the support we had was amazing – it took weeks of planning but everyone worked tirelessly and it was so worthwhile.

“The queues were out the door and into the car park and it was nice to see the kids back in their happy place.

“It felt like coming home and it has given us a boost to keep pushing forward.”

The Rollerworld event comes after Anne and Jason closed down their famous skating rink after 32 years following a bitter rent dispute.

Landlord Petchey Holdings is reported to have wanted to increase the rent on the building from £100,000 per year to £250,000.

Bosses at the company previously told the Gazette they considered the terms for the new lease to be “below the market rate.”

Despite the setback, the couple vowed to keep the brand alive and are now hoping to host more skates at Charter Hall until a more permanent home can be found.

“It is not the perfect place, of course, but the Charter Hall team were brilliant and I think we showed Rollerworld does not just have to be at Moorside,” added Anne.

“Rollerworld is its own entity and concept and if you can bring the energy and vibe of Rollerworld to any building you can recreate it.”