SKATEBOARDERS in Stockton can celebrate after plans for a new skateboard park in the town's Tilery area received the go-ahead.

The park will be built next to Stockton Sports Centre, in Talbot Street, and has been made possible by the approval of funding through the government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Twenty youngsters have worked with Stockton Borough Council to design the park and the £75,000 scheme will include the latest equipment. The council intends to use it as a blueprint for similar facilities in the borough.

Councillor Alex Cunnigham, the council's cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, said: "This park will be good news for the area's young people, who have been seeking a place to practice their skateboarding for sometime.

"It has been a tremendous experience for them to be involved in the design of the park and I look forward to seeing them show off their skills when it opens later this year."

Leisure officers are also looking for a site for a skateboard park in Billingham, following an approach by young people to the authority and the town's regeneration partnership.