A £150,000 SKATEPARK was opened in Harrogate yesterday.

Young BMX and skateboarding enthusiasts were involved in the design of the new site, which had been delayed after debate over the location.

The skatepark, in Valley Gardens, was funded partly by Harrogate Borough Council who provided £105,000, with extra funding coming from building developers and Harrogate District Community Safety Partnership.

Cabinet member for cultural services Caroline Bayliss said: "Officers and councillors have been very impressed with the support and understanding shown by those young people who so desperately wanted a local facility, but understood all the issues surrounding it.

"They were frustrated but never put off and I am pleased that we could involve them so much in the design.

"I sincerely hope they get a lot of fun and enjoyment from it."