YOUNGSTERS are celebrating the news that they are soon to have a skateboard park.

The park, which has been granted planning permission by Stockton Borough Councillors, will be built next to Stockton Sports Centre, in Talbot Street, Tilery.

The park has been made possible by a £75,000 grant approved by the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Twenty young people were involved in working with the council to design a scheme that will include the latest in skateboard equipment.

It is hoped that the design will act as a blueprint for similar facilities elsewhere in the borough.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, the council's cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, said: "This park will be good news for the area's young people.

"They have been hoping for a place to practise their skateboarding for some time.

"It has been a tremendous experience for them to be involved in the design of the park and I look forward to seeing them show off their skills when it opens later this year."

Planning officers are also looking for a suitable site for a similar park in Billingham after young people there held a demonstration and lobbied the council.

A skateboard park is also included in the plans to improve John Whitehead Park as part of the regeneration of the town centre.