A SKATE park with Olympic ambitions is already proving to be a hit.
More than 8,000 people from Britain and Europe have visited Middlesbrough's Prissick Plaza in the three months it has been open.
Extreme sports expert Dean Broderick has been appointed to work alongside development officer Tim Watton to coach youngsters in skateboarding, bmx and inline skating.
Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety and leisure with Middlesbrough Council, said yesterday: "We have a goal of Olympic recognition for skating - and a world-class training ground to help local people compete in 2012."
Mr Broderick and Mr Watton are setting up a Get fit with Extreme Sports campaign, entailing working closely with schools, youth groups, community, sports and recreation centres.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article