A REVOLUTIONARY skatepark using equipment never before seen in Europe has been launched in County Durham.

Sedgefield Borough Council had been inundated with requests for skateboarding facilities - and its response was unveiled at the weekend.

Based on a mobile system pioneered in Ontario, Canada, the equipment begins a tour of the borough this week.

The council has brought partners on board to help pay for the mobile skatepark to visit their local community for one day each week.

Yesterday, the council said that importing the equipment had been reasonably easy - but getting it through customs at Southampton was a different story.

Customs officers had never seen such equipment and it was initially impounded, before eventually being released after ten days.

The skatepark is being transported around the borough on a low loader, and will take only 45 minutes to unload and set up ready for action.

Already, 200 youngsters have enrolled as members and all users will be constantly monitored by staff.

Such has been the interest in the venture that Coca Cola and radio station 96.6tfm have agreed a five-figure sponsorship deal for what will be known as the Airtime Skatepark.

It is also hoped the facility will prove popular with on-line skaters and BMX riders.

It is also intended to tour schools with it.

Radio presenter Scott Makin got on his skateboard during the launch at the Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe, on Saturday.

Cath Ellington, managing director at 96.6tfm, said: "The mobile skatepark will be of real benefit to the youngsters of Sedgefield borough and the distinctive trailer, with its graffiti-style artwork, will no doubt become a regular attraction, not only in this region but further afield."

For more information about the Airtime Skatepark, contact Beryl Anderson on (01388) 816166.