A SKATE park in North Yorkshire has been awarded £5,000 for refur - bishments.

The Norton Skate Park User Group has been awarded the funds by the Police and Crime Commis - sioner’s Community Fund and will build new equipment at the ten- year-old park.

The group, which is made up of young people who use the park, has also carried out extra fundraising including at 24-hour skateathon, and members of the group have designed the new look for the park themselves.

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said: “By developing the park yet further, skateboarders are more likely to practise their hobby in a safe, dedicated facility rather than on our busy town-centre roads and pedestrian areas.”

PC Nick Coning, Norton beat manager, helped the group put to - gether the bid. He said: “The skate park in Norton is a vital asset to our communities and is extensively used by local youths, with up to 60 skateboarders using the facility at any one time. The older kids help the younger ones and there’s a fantastic atmosphere.

“Without the support from the community fund, the new ramp would still just be an ambition. But with the funding, work can begin by the end of the month.”

Grants of between £500 and £20,000 are available from the com - munity fund for new projects led by people who are based or operating within North Yorkshire and the city of York. To find out more, go to northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk