A TOWN is getting its skates on to create the biggest sports arena of its kind in the region - and one of the largest in the UK.

After hundreds of enthusiasts signed a petition, a disused Middlesbrough tennis court is to undergo a £350,000 transformation into a skateboarding park.

Demand for the facility increased in the wake of the closure of the Apeskate park, in Thornaby, some months ago.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, of Middlesbrough Council, said: "We are looking at a three-section park with a beginners' section, a bowl for more advanced skaters and the keynote feature, a plaza, which is a street course, based on city centre features.

"Only two or three skate parks in the world have a plaza, so this facility will be right up there with the best."

The park will be developed at Prissick Base, off Marton Road, Middlesbrough.

Design ideas are to be converted into technical drawings and a contractor appointed in the autumn with an anticipated spring opening. It is the result of a partnership between the council and local skaters.

"This all started with a 400- name petition from local young people," said Coun Coppinger.

"We are confident that within 12 months we will have a high quality locally designed facility at Prissick Base, which will be a national first in many ways."

Dean Broderick, of Mischief Skate store, said: "The skate park will be unique. Elsewhere in the country, councils have decided what's best for skaters.

"Here in Middlesbrough we've been invited to help design and look after the site.

"That is a big step forward, so full credit to Middlesbrough Council."

The planned Prissick plaza will be set back from the main road and will have a security fence, closed-circuit television cameras and lighting.

As part of a consultation exercise 15,000 leaflets were sent out to young people and 500 were returned with constructive comments.

Development of the plaza could lead to further regeneration of the rest of the partly-redundant Prissick site.