Simon Cooke was my instructor, and with eight years full time experience behind him, I knew I was in safe hands.

His patient instruction paid off and he instantly worked wonders to build up my confidence.

Before I knew it I found myself on the 'button lift' being dragged up the slope to the first level.

It was great - no problems, I knew how to stop and how to control my speed, so there was nothing to worry about.

By lesson two I had conquered turning and by number three, I was confident to ski from the top of the 100 metre high slope, traversing from side to side.

Simon told me he has taught people of all abilities and has yet to find anyone who didn't enjoy it.

An 86 year-old man is a weekly visitor, having only just taken up the sport, and during my visits, I have been amazed by the skill of people of all ages.

During the past two weeks I have attempted a 'crash course' in skiing at the Pembrey Country Park centre, in preparation for a trip to the French Alps later this month.

And it has been amazing.

As well as discovering muscles in my legs I never knew existed, I have thoroughly enjoyed my new found hobby, and cannot wait to try it out on real snow.

The brilliance of the dry slope, which was opened by Llanelli Borough Council in June 1988, is that if you can ski there, snow is easy. (Or so I'm told).

There are six full time instructors and five part time, a full range of skis, boots and snowboards are available to hire, and a coffee shop filled with tempting delights to warm you up after you have finished.

Simon said: "We have regulars who are children and one man who is 86 and absolutely loves it.

"What most people find is that once they've been skiing once, they get the bug and end up going every year.

"The dri slope is actually much harder to ski on than real snow so technically if you can manage this, the real thing is easy." Now I can't wait to find out.