THE team behind the Hatherleigh Skate Park project is on the verge of reaching a £70,000 fundraising target, moving it closer to making the facility a reality.

The team has been busy fundraising for the past few months, and with a provisional grant of £50,000 from Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund is close to reaching the crucial £70,000 landmark.

Among events organised to raise funds for the skate park are a sponsored walk, jumble sale, coffee morning, and barbecue. A donation of £150 from bread maker Kingsmill's Community Grant Campaign brought the team closer to building a free form skate area in Island Park.

The team has shared four different sets of plans with Hatherleigh Town Council and future skate park users to decide upon the final design.

Clare Tyson, a member of the skate group, said: 'The skate park will give youngsters something to do. Projects like this help reduce vandalism and crime.

'Some think these parks are just for skateboarders. They indirectly benefit the whole community, attracting people with roller blades, roller skates, skateboards, scooters and bikes. It is an area where youngsters can go, do something active and learn a new skill.

'Young children can go along and start to learn these skills too, and grandparents and parents can go along with them and watch and enjoy them learning these new skills. It will be of great benefit to Hatherleigh.'

Mike Bailey, channels director at Allied Bakeries, said: 'Kingsmill knows that retailers are at the heart of the local community and we hope that these grants will give the successful retailers an opportunity to build relations with their local area — driving sales and loyalty for their stores.

'We look forward to following the development of these projects and watching the local areas benefit from these brilliant and worthwhile ideas.'