A MAN is preparing to scale a 40ft tower to help youngsters realise their dream of building a skate park.

PC Martin Pease of Durham Police is planning a sponsored abseil of the tower at Moor House, near Durham City, on Wednesday.

Cash raised by PC Pease will go to the Durham Skateboard Partnership, which wants to build a skate park at Pity Me leisure centre, on the outskirts of the city.

PC Pease came up with the idea after talking to his son Jamie, a keen skateboarder and member of the partnership.

PC Pease said: "Research has shown that a large number of young people are using dangerous, dilapidated buildings, waste grounds, public areas and footpaths to practice their sport, placing themselves and other members of the public at risk.

"So if I can help to fund an area that will mean safer skating, I will."

Work will start on the Pity Me skate park later this month.

The partnership is still raising funds for other parks which are planned for Belmont and Meadowfield.

Anyone interested in making a donation can telephone 0191-386 7485.