A £22,000 skate park will officially open in Chester-le-Street today.

The park was a joint venture between Chester-le-Street District Council and a group of young people.

Space for the site was found by realigning tennis courts at the Riverside Sports Complex and it was made big enough for about 15 skaters, BMX riders or in-line skaters.

The council chairman, Councillor Bill Laverick, will perform the opening at 1pm.

Admission is £1 per session, and a leisure card is needed to use the site, which will be open from 10am to dusk and will initially be supervised.

Skateboarders also need headgear made to British Standards and are advised to take protective clothing.