A SKATE park has finally been set up in Highworth after decades of failed attempts to get the project off the ground.

The young and young-at-heart enjoyed trying tricks and showing off their skills on the new equipment at the Lower Recreation Ground this weekend.

Contractors Maverick finished the £120,000 facility in just six weeks after securing funding with help from Highworth Town Council and a dedicated group of enthusiasts and families.

SN-Six Wheeled Sports, chaired by Nick and Cheryl Costello, helped revive hopes for the recreation space after approaching the council in 2016.

Ever since the idea of having a skate park in the town was first suggested to councillors in 1987, funding problems and location issues have stopped the dream from becoming a reality.

But this latest effort has gone smoothly, much to the relief of the people who worked tirelessly to get it off the ground.

Cheryl said: "There was nothing for young children who were not interested in football to do around here. Highworth has some great skaters, skateboarders and scooter riders, and I wanted them to have something like this on their doorstep.

"And with skateboarding being added to the Olympics, it's going to become more popular. Everyone's enjoying it and people are coming from out of town to use it, visiting the shops while they're here."

Nick added: "It's been rammed all the time and there has been nothing but support since it opened, which is quite unbelievable.

"Experienced skaters are looking after the newbies and helping them come out of their shells, which is lovely.

"We were so determined to see this attempt through to the end, we had a really good team behind us who never gave up and overcame every hurdle. The committee pulled it all together with great support from the council'."

Along with the Costellos, the committee included Pam Adams, Jim and Pauline Webster, Jo Clark, Ryan Blackwell and Mark Saunders.

Mark added: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people using the skate park, and it should be even busier in the spring and summer, when it’s less dark in the evenings.

“I take my hat off to everyone who has been involved in this since the start, and the groups who came before us and got turned down for one reason or another.

“There’s quite an age range in skate parks. I skate a little because my son does and in Cirencester, there’s a guy in his 60s still skateboarding.

“I think people will come to Highworth to see what we’ve got, every facility is slightly different, and with all the new houses being built it’s something nice for the kids to do.”