MORE than 70 young people gathered to celebrate the official opening of the skate park on the Sele in Hexham.

They were joined by many councillors and adult supporters who had ensured that the project was funded and built after over three years of work.

Building work by Gravity started on the facility in November last year and finished earlier this month.

All the young people who were involved in all stages of the planning and design of the park, supported by Antonia Azocar-Nevin from the Hexham Youth Initiative, also gathered for the official opening on Thursday, April 13.

Antonia was funded by the Rank Foundation for a year to work with young people to design, fundraise and implement the project.

A spokesperson from Hexham Youth said: "It would not have been possible without the vision and support of Hexham Town Council and the initial work of Cllr Stephen Ball. 

"Thanks also go to the outgoing clerk, Jane Kevan, who worked on the funding and Cllr Trevor Cessford who helped with planning.

"Funding came from the Town Council, Northumberland County Council and the Suez Communities Fund with young people also raising money through various fundraising activities. 

"The Mayor of Hexham, Derek Kennedy and Cllr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken completed the picture with contributions from their personal budgets.

"Going forward, young people can look forward to events and activities of the park funded by the Wellesley Trust and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Operation Payback fund.

"Cllr Penny Grennan  took a key role in raising these funds and is anxious to ensure that the Sele is a safe and happy place for all young people."