TEENAGERS are asking people to support their quest to build a skate park in Bishop Auckland.

Their fellow skateboarders in Crook and Shildon already enjoy their own facility.

Sai Talbert,14, said: "This is something that would get young people of the streets and this would please a lot of people.''

To prove how serious they are about the project, the group has drawn up a petition requesting a skate park and presented it to Wear Valley District Council.

In response, the council approached Groundwork South Durham to help the teenagers make a feasibility study.

Leanne Holbrough, from Groundwork, has been working with the group for two months.

She said: "We have identified a couple of places, both indoor and outdoor, but ideally what we are looking for is an indoor skate park. This would cost more than an outdoor facility, because of paying rent and insurance, but the equipment would be cheaper.''

The project is in the early stages and the group have yet to give a presentation to councillors. They have written to local businesses for backing and there is also the possibility of grants.

Shoppers and residents will also be asked their opinion in a questionnaire.