SKATEBOARD parks are a step nearer for young enthusiasts, partly thanks to their own daredevil efforts.

Fifteen teenagers, supported by three local councillors, raised a four figure sum from a sponsored abseil to boost the funds of the Durham Skate and Bike Partnership.

Each young person abseiled, under expert supervision and attached to a harness, down the side of a 40ft tower erected at the Durham County Scout headquarters, Moor House, Rainton Gate, near Durham.

The event was the brainchild of Durham police officer PC Martin Peace whose son, Jamie, and friends are keen skaters and are active members of the skate and bike partnership.

The partnership was set up following repeated requests by skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX bike riders, for some form of special provision to allow them to practise their pursuits without affecting other people.

The partnership involves not only young people, but parents, the police, plus Durham city and county councillors, and the local Investing in Children group.

Members have visited other skate parks around the country to see what can be created.

Members have also pin-pointed potential sites for skate parks alongside leisure centres at Pity Me and Meadowfield, and on the Moor Field, next to Belmont Community Association, all in the Durham area.

Estimates vary, but about £70,000 is needed for each of the three parks, with some funding already guaranteed from the Northern Rock Foundation.

Planning permission has been approved for each of the three sites.

Lynda Garbutt, co-ordinator of Investing in Children, said: "We now have enough in the kitty to start at Pity Me, and we hope work gets under way soon.

"Every fundraising effort like this will help us to reach our target and to move on-site for the other two."

PC Peace, who with police colleagues supervised the abseil, said: "A large number of young people are using dangerous, dilapidated buildings, waste ground and footpaths to practise their sport, placing themselves and the public at risk.

"We will do whatever we can to help to fund an area to provide safer skating for all our young people."

PC Peace thanked George Hunter, Barbara Howarth and Terry Moderate, all councillors on Durham City Council, for volunteering to join the abseil and boost the fundraising efforts.