AN OFFICIAL opening of Skipton's hugely successful £100,000 skatepark is due to take place today.

Professional demonstrations and coaching sessions will take place during the event, which kicks off at 10am and will run until mid-afternoon.

The skatepark, alongside the also new £41,000 cycle pump track in Aireville Park, opened ahead of schedule last month and its popularity has exceeded all expectations.

Today's opening will be performed by Cllr Robert Mason, chairman of Craven District Council, which gave £37,500 towards the facility, with the rest raised from sponsors and fundraising.

“I’m delighted to be opening this fantastic new facility in Aireville Park and am very much looking forward to seeing it in action," said Cllr Mason.

“This is an ideal opportunity for people to come down to the park and see what it has to offer after all the exciting developments this summer.”

The Works’ professional skate team will showcase the new skatepark while experts from Back On Track will perform demonstrations on the new pump track.

Deckheads, the scooter shop based in Leeds, will also be holding a pop-up shop at the event.

Fiona Protheroe, chairman of Friends of Aireville Park, said it would be a great opportunity to show off the skatepark and pump track.

"We’re very proud to have been able to work with the council, young people and sponsors to see these schemes come to fruition this summer," she said.

“It’s been great to see so many people using the new areas already and we hope this enthusiasm will continue.”