SKATERS from across the area flocked to Okehampton last weekend to take part in the official launch of the new town skate park.

Okehampton Skate Jam saw the official opening of the new Okehampton skate park on Saturday — last year saw contractors complete work on a new series of ramps, stairs, down-rails and skating equipment for the skate park at Brayhams Terrace.

The work has incorporated the new ramps and stairs made out of concrete into the existing skate park facility, to add variety and provide a range of levels so all young people can use the park, regardless of their skill.

A team of youngsters called the Okehampton Skate Group worked hard to bring the new skate plaza into existence, holding meetings at Room 13 over the past few years to discuss the future of the skate park and fundraise for the facility.

Among the key players instrumental in getting the skate park project to where it is today are Okehampton United Charity, West Devon Borough Council, Okehampton Town Council, Waitrose, the White Hart Hotel, OCRA, Skate Warehouse, Oke Cycles and Devon Youth Service.

The skate jam saw skaters, and scooter and BMX riders enjoy sessions and competitions, plus there were display sessions running through the day.

And having raised around £50,000 for their own project, organisers of the skate jam used the day as a platform to support skaters in Hatherleigh.

Youngsters and Hatherleigh Town Council have been working hard to provide a concrete skate area in a free form design in Island Park.

All proceeds raised at the skate jam will be donated to the Hatherleigh Skate Park project.

Town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies said: 'It was fantastic to see hundreds of people at the event. It was very well attended and organised.'

For more information on the park and to see photos of the skate jam, visit http://www.skatewarehouse.co.uk">www.skatewarehouse.co.uk