FANS of the full range of wheeled and skate-related sports can look forward to using top of the range facilities later this year.

Work began yesterday to build what will become the North-East's biggest wheeled sports park, at Silksworth, in Sunderland.

The facility, costing £300,000, will replace an existing smaller BMX track, at Silksworth Sports Complex, built on the reclaimed site of the former Silksworth Colliery.

It will cater for enthusiasts of skate-boarding, roller skating and BMX bike riding.

Featuring a main concrete bowl, it will have a second, smaller bowl with a connecting "spine link".

A series of obstacles, including steps, jump box, grind rail and slopes, will make the park more interesting and challenging to all users.

Project development manager Christine Bulmer said young people involved in each of the three disciplines have been consulted to ensure the new wheeled sports circuit meets their needs.

"It has been designed to cater for all ability levels and to provide young people with a dynamic and vibrant sporting experience."

A ground-breaking ceremony marked the start of the development yesterday.

Sunderland's Mayor, Coun Juliana Heron, cut the first sod of earth, backed by Coun Mel Spedding, the city council's cabinet member for culture, arts, sports and leisure.

If construction goes to schedule, it is hoped the park will be ready for use in August.