A LEADING designer of skate parks has been chosen to transform Skipton's Aireville Park.

Freestyle, responsible for some of the country's most inventive skate parks, including Manchester Projekts, has been chosen to design Skipton's new £100,000 facility.

Work is due to start in the next few weeks. The park will be aimed at all levels of skater and will hopefully be completed in time for the summer.

“We’re really excited about the new skatepark and we can’t wait for it to be completed this summer," said Jay Harrison from the Skipton Skatepark User Group.

“It’s going to be great for young people in Skipton to have a really fantastic skatepark which we can all use. Hopefully it’ll encourage more people to get active and enjoy the park.”

Craven District Council put up £37,500 towards the project, with the rest coming from sponsors and fundraising events.

The Veolia Environmental Trust awarded a grant of £25,000 and Yorventure Environmental Body Ltd gave £25,000.

A further £10,000 was given from the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire Community Fund.

Money has also been raised by Craven Youth Council and Friends of Aireville Park through Craven Dragons Den and fundraising events such as a car wash and café.

Fiona Protheroe, chairman of Friends of Aireville Park, said she was delighted that work was under way.

“The skatepark has been missed by many in the park and we look forward to a new skate park in time for summer," she said.

Elliot Hamilton, Freestyle project manager, said skaters and riders had been consulted on what they wanted from the skatepark.

“Now the Freestyle team, all of who are not only builders but skaters and riders too, will ensure that the construction of the skatepark fulfils their aspirations," he said.

“As with any Freestyle installation, this skatepark will be built to last so that future generations can enjoy the challenges on offer.

The executive director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, said: “We support a wide range of community and environmental projects across the UK. It is great to hear that this exciting scheme is set to start in the next few weeks and I look forward to seeing the new skatepark being used and enjoyed.”