A SKATE park and football area, designed by young people and Hyndburn Council, is set to be unveiled next week.

The Great Harwood venue will be officially opened on April 14, at 11am and an official presentation takes place at 1.30pm, with Hyndburn Mayor Coun Win Frankland and an Accrington Stanley player.

Youngsters can try out the brand new skate equipment and football area, clamber up a climbing wall, or try out a mobile gym.

Hyndburn Council said expert skate boarders and footballers would be in attendance to give youngsters tips on how to best use the new facilities. Additionally, there would be wall-painting sessions with an artist.

The scheme has cost £120,000 and been developed with Great Harwood youngsters, who have designed the park with council staff and representatives of other bodies, including the police.

Hyndburn Council has provided the land for the scheme and managed the work, and provided the bulk of funding with the New Opportunities Fund.

Coun Frankland said: "It's great to see the opening of this amenity. It's been hotly-anticipated and the best thing about it, in my view, is that it's been designed by young people for young people. We hope they will enjoy coming here for many years to come."

Police officers have been pressing for somewhere for the skateboarders to meet for a number of years. PC Helen Jackson of Great Harwood police station added: "This is great news for young people in the area. It's a brilliant example of agencies working together."