Thirsk skateboarders have finally got a home of their own.

Hard-standing at the Carr's Field site, just behind Millgate car park, was laid earlier this month and the half-pipe ramp completed last Friday.

The park, on land left by a local woman, has been used constantly ever since.

Welcoming the park, trustee Tony Jordan said: "This is the first proper place kids can use for biking, boarding and blading. There is just the one piece of equipment, but there is scope for further equipment.

"In skating terms, it is a small development but it is already very popular and will take away pressure of youngsters using local car parks for skating and provide them with a safer, dedicated alternative."

Trust chairman, Coun Steve Hubbard, who has worked for more than two years to get a development off the ground, is highly delighted with the opening of the park. Other larger projects were turned down on planning grounds.

He thanked local businesses for giving labour, plant and materials to make the skateboard park a reality. These include RMC Surfacing, Todd's Building Supplies, Jewsons in Thirsk and Severfield Reeve.

The trustees plan an official opening of the new park in the near future.

Meanwhile, plans are also afoot to create a larger-scale skateboard site in the town, opposite the Tesco store. A skateboard committee has been formed, comprising town councillors, police, local businesses, parents and young people, to move the project forward.