A SKATE park designed by young people has been officially opened.

The state-of-the-art facilities at the Consett Academy and Leisure Centre were unveiled on Friday evening.

The previous skate park was part of the site which became Durham County Council’s £44 million regeneration project to create the new school and sports complex.

Following a request from local youngsters to reinstate the skate park, the council worked with young people who used it to design the new and improved facility.

The £85,000 park has been funded by the council, with £13,000 from section 106 money from local developer contributions.

Councillor Edward Bell, chairman of Durham County Council, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to reinstate the skate park after it made way for the amazing new Consett Academy and Leisure Centre.

“By collaborating to design the park, with the very young people who wanted to bring it back, we’ve been able to add even more to the excellent facilities available here.

“We’re very proud to officially open this brand new, state-of-the-art skate park.”