A PROJECT for young people which has been three years in the planning was finally opened at Bedale on Saturday.

Experienced skateboarders joined young enthusiasts at the official launch of the new Bedale skate park in the grounds of Bedale Hall.

Skateboarders, BMX bikers and in-line skaters converged on the park for a range of events and competitions marking the inauguration of the £33,000 project that has been promoted by Bedale community education department.

Team riders from Popcorn, of Northallerton, demonstrated their skills, offered tips and donated prizes for a skating competition.

Young people wanting to customise their boards got help from a spray artist and all activities were filmed by a video specialist who then helped those taking part to edit the work.

The opening was conducted by Coun Ellen Dunning, Mayor of Bedale.

The day was organised by the community education department and North Yorkshire Connecting Youth Culture in association with Bedale Recreation Association and the town council.

Local skateboarders raised £250 towards the cost of the project and other grants included £15,000 from Yorventure, £6,000 from Hambleton community safety partnership, £5,000 from Hambleton District Council, £5,000 from Bedale Recreation Association, £1,500 from Bedale community education, plus a gift in kind of administration and project management, and £1,500 from the town council.

Ian Marr, Bedale district community education manager and a member of the recreation association, said: "There has been a real community effort to create the skate park and the young members of BRA and Bedale Youth Club have made a fantastic contribution at every stage, from fundraising to designing the layout.

"We're extremely grateful to the organisations who have supported this valuable community facility and given young people a fantastic place to meet.

"The skate park is a symbol of how a community, young and old, can work together to great effect."

The skate park has a range of equipment that is often enjoyed by more than 100 young people at a time.

It will be owned and maintained by the town council.

The park was promoted in response to concerns about youngsters skateboarding on pavements, in car parks and around local schools, but finding a suitable site was one of the greatest difficulties.