Hartlepool is preparing to hold its first ever skateboarding tournament.

Professional skateboarders will be displaying their talents at the event in the Mill House Leisure Centre on Sunday, March 20.

The showcase has been organised by the Hartlepool SkateBoard Association (HSBA), which was set up last year to bring better facilities to the town.

HSBA intends to gauge support for its campaign at a public meeting on Thursday.

Jason Moyle, chairman of HSBA, said: "We're really pleased to host this event in Hartlepool because it will attract hundreds of skateboarders from across the region.

"It will be an all-out skate jam with professional skateboarders and tournaments and competitions for the rest of us."

HSBA was set up last year with the support of Hartlepool Community Network, which works with hundreds of voluntary and community groups across the town.

The group has the support of parents and local businesses in its aim of establishing a safe and secure indoor skateboard park.

Hartlepool PR company Avanticom has made a significant financial contribution towards the costs of the skateboard tournament, which it is hoped could become an annual event.

A public meeting tomorrow will be held at The Grand Hotel in Hartlepool, starting at 6.30pm, to discuss the tournament.