GREAT Harwood's new £120,000 skateboard park and football area was officially opened yesterday by Hyndburn's mayor - with help from expert skaters and Accrington Stanley players.

Coun Win Frankland unveiled the the park to visitors. It has been designed by young people, taking into account their wishes and jump requirements.

She said: "It's great to see the opening of this park.

"It has been hotly anticipated and it's great that it's been designed by young people.

"We hope they will enjoy coming here for many years to come."

In addition to skating, youngsters were shown how to scale a climbing wall and use mobile gym. And there were also art activities.

The skate park cost £120,000 and has been developed by Hyndburn Council, which has worked with local youngsters to design and support it.

Various groups, including local police officers, have been pressing for somewhere for the skateboarders to meet for a number of years.

PC Helen Jackson said: "This is great news for young people here.

"And it's a brilliant example of different organisations working together to benefit the community."

Hyndburn Council provided the land and managed the building work.

The bulk of funds came from the government's New Opportunities Fund, with a grant from the borough council making up the remainder.