A CAMPAIGN has been launched to build a skatepark in Helmsley.

Youngsters say they are fed up of having to travel seven miles to Kirkbymoorside to enjoy their hobby.

They have formed the Helmsley HalfPipes group and have set themselves a target of raising £70,000 to pay for a park.

Malton and Norton, Kirkby-moorside and Thornton-le-Dale all have facilities.

The HalfPipes group has yet to decide on a suitable site, but met for the first time last week to discuss their plans.

Letters have already been sent to local organisations, police chiefs and councillors, urging them to back the idea.

Helmsley councillor Chris Parkin said: "The well-supported meeting agreed to lobby funding bodies and contact other local skateparks for advice in this quest.

"Youngsters at the meeting started compiling a list of possible fundraising activities, and a request to address the next meeting of Helmsley Town Council was agreed."

HalfPipes' chairwoman, Andrea Goudy, 35, a mother-of-two, said: "A skatepark has been the dream of Helmsley children for a number of years.

"Now other Ryedale towns have theirs, we thought it was only fair we had one as well.

"I used to skateboard when I was a kid and I still do from time to time. My son is 13 now and he has been boarding and blading for a long time.

"Skateparks are snowballing as the sport grows, and Helmsley youngsters have been asking for this for years.

"It will cost about £25,000 for a basic skatepark, or £70,000 for something like Kirkbymoorside's - an achievable target.

"After all, they did it, so we should be able to do it too."

Malton and Norton's skatepark, on the old Northern Electric site in Norton Road, Norton, opened in May 2002 after months of campaigning by local people.

The HalfPipes group would like to hear from individuals and organisations that may be able to offer advice, support and expertise.

To help, call Ms Goudy on (01439) 771515.