A CAMPAIGN to create a skateboard park in North-allerton has received the backing of a headteacher.

Geoff Heatonby, head of Romanby Primary School, said he was tired of having to throw youngsters off the playground.

The problem came to a head on Monday when he had to go out several times to move on youths skating on the school play area while youngsters were being taught inside.

"I had about 15 lads on their skateboards, being a nuisance," said Mr Heatonby. "They sneak on the playground when no one is looking and skate until someone throws them off."

Northallerton Town Council last month turned down an appeal to give the skaters a permanent home on the bonfire site at the Applegarth.

Mr Heatonby is writing to the council, urging it to think again. "I think it is absolutely disgraceful that there is no-where for the youngsters to skate," he said.

"Skateboarding is not going to go away. It is not a ten-minute wonder. We don't want the problem pushing on to school playgrounds where there is no supervision."