A SKATE park for young people has been created following community consultation and £80,000 of investment.

The new Wheeled Sport Facility in Houghton-le-Spring was opened on Saturday by MP Fraser Kemp.

The launch event for the park was attended by funders, councillors and young people.

It is hoped the facility will encourage hard-to-reach and disadvantaged young people aged 13-19 years to take part in sport and improve their health, bring people together and strengthen community spirit.

Those behind it will work to ensure long term activity on the facilities and will provide kit and equipment for residents to take part and make the most out of the new facility.

Councillor Mel Speding, member with portfolio for culture and leisure for Sunderland City Council said: "This is a much-needed facility, which will provide the young people of Houghton-le-Spring and the surrounding areas with a safe and enjoyable place with a new focus to spend spare time with friends and help towards leading an active lifestyle."

The project, which involved consultation with local young people, received £50,000 from Barclays Spaces for Sports and further funding of £25,000 received from the Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Fund.

The scheme is also supported by Groundwork East Durham, a local regeneration charity and Sunderland City Council.

In 2005, the council received a petition from 203 young people requesting wheeled sports facilities in the Houghton-le-Spring area.

The authority has worked closely with a core working group of young people, parents and local beat officers throughout the project.

Barclays has also provided additional funding of £20,000 to develop and sustain activities at the site over three years.

The aim is to introduce new or develop existing activity, which aims to increase participation and provide training for volunteers to support local service delivery.

From that funding up to £2,000 will be solely available for the purchase of kit and equipment.

Barclays representative Stella McRae said: "Our aim is to have a significant and long-lasting impact on local communities and grassroots sport throughout the UK for many years to come."