TEENAGERS in North Yorkshire are due to be given skateboard parks and meeting shelters.

Ryedale Teenage Recreation Network has become one of only a handful of projects nationwide to be given thousands of pounds from the New Opportunities Lottery Fund.

It is one of three projects in the Yorkshire and Humber region to be selected for funding and will receive £90,000.

The money will be spent on equipment at the skatepark in Norton, building a teenage meeting shelter and games area at the Rainbow Lane play area in Malton, and for a games wall at the Hawthorne Lane play area in Pickering.

In addition, the Thornton-le-Dale skating area is to to be extended and at Kirkbymoorside, a new skateboard park is being provided on Old Road Playing Fields.

Jes Holmes, the district authority's cultural services manager, said: "We got the funding in a national bidding competition and we succeeded because it linked together five sites in Ryedale in the towns and large villages.

"We have had a lot of feedback from teenagers saying they want somewhere to meet and to have access to a skateboard park where they can meet their friends.

"The provision will be supported by a detached youth worker, events, training and transport to ensure the young people visit the facilities".

Ms Holmes said young people throughout the Ryedale district had repeatedly underlined the need for better activities and opportunities