STUNT cyclists, skate-boarders and in-line skaters are heading for a comprehensive school after it took delivery of new equipment.

A partnership involving young enthusiasts and youth workers has resulted in the installation of ramps, pipes and other skating equipment in the grounds of Deerness Valley School, at Ushaw Moor, near Durham.

Funding worth more than £14,000 was won by members of the Deerness Skate Park group, which was formed in February last year, backed by Bearpark Youth Group and the Groundwork Trust's East Durham team.

The group researched what was needed and how to go about applying for cash backing, before making bids for finance.

Funding came from the Government's Local Network Fund, Investing in Children and store chain Marks and Spencer.

The ramps were ordered from specialist supplier Sunramp Solutions Inc in the USA, which dispatched the skate park equipment in time for the official launch.

A generous discount was offered for cut-price safety equipment from Strawberry Cycles, in Horden, east Durham.

David Bell, the local representative on Durham City Council and leader of the city's Labour group, performed the opening ceremony alongside project officer Jason Martin and youth officer Dean Johnson, both of Groundwork East Durham.

The young experts then took to the skate park to christen the new equipment.

Jason said: "The park provides a much needed facility for young people across the Deerness Valley."

He said arrangements were being finalised to make the facilities available during the summer holiday, as part of an activity programme being put together for local youngsters.

The playground is to undergo a refurbishment in the coming year, with the positioning of the skate park a key element in planning the new look.