A TEAM of youngsters who campaigned for a new Clitheroe skate park and helped with its design have received national recognition for their tireless efforts.

The youngsters, aged between 10 and 15, all played a vital part in the resurrection of Clitheroe's skate park, which had closed amid safety concerns in 2002.

Determined to see a return to skating in the town, the group lobbied Ribble Valley Council to see if a new park could be built and gave advice on the final designs.

A new £200,000 park opened in the Clitheroe Castle grounds last month and the group of six youngsters, from Clitheroe and Whalley, have now been rewarded for their crucial role.

They were runners up in the Deutsche Bank Spotlight Awards 2006, a national initiative to recognise young people who have spoken up and taken action about something they thought should be improved, changed or created in their community.

Will Brown, 15, Jack Croasdale, Alan Booth and Sam Bismail, all 13, Oliver Brown, 11, and Laura Bismail, 10, were awarded £1,000 between them at an award ceremony held in London on Thursday.

A spokesman for the awards said: "The Clitheroe Skate Park Group are avid skateboarders and when the local skate park was closed due to neglect and vandalism they were determined to get a new one opened.

"Will, Oliver and the others attended meetings with the local council to express their views and ensure their campaign was taken seriously. Will was also invited to speak at a local council meeting to present the campaign ideas.

"Will and the group were able to raise the necessary funds to build the skate park, through local charitable trusts.

"This really shows that there are hundreds of young people who aren't just sitting back, but are actively leading change in their communities. It is truly inspiring."

The new park in the Woone Lane corner of the castle grounds, opened on Good Friday.