BACK by popular demand South Petherwin Parish Council organised the North Cornwall District Council skate park event at South Petherwin Community School on Saturday.

Between 10am and 1pm over forty children of all ages pedalled and skated their way around the skate park in the brilliant spring sunshine.

The skate park arrived at 9pm on Friday on the back of a long trailer. Two NCDC recreation officers unpacked it and laid out the various ramps, half pipes, grind rails, BMX bikes and skateboards. An array of safety gear from helmets to knee, elbow and hand pads were all part of the standard skate park equipment.

Everything was ready to go by 10am with 'Petherwin' young people waiting to have a go. Young people also arrived from the surrounding area, including Tregadillett, Launceston, North Hill, North Petherwin, Lewannick, Altarnun and Pyworthy.

All of them had something to say about the event including Morwenna Masters who said: "Really good fun. I've come every year and never get bored!" Harvey Jones commented: "I think this was very good fun and should happen again." Lucy Hamilton gushed: "Really good fun, would come everyday if I could!" Andrew Elcock said: "Great fun please come back."

One of the parents, Helen Bailey, enjoyed the day: "Fantastic organisation, fun for the children. Thanks to South Petherwin Parish Council and NCDC. Makes keeping fit fun for children and they don't even know it."

NCDC officer Steve Bland was impressed at the turnout: "Well attended. Great kids, very polite. No problems to organise. Great gig!"

South Petherwin Parish Chairman and organiser Phil Parsons agreed: "This was once again a very successful event with so many young people enjoying themselves. They love the thrill of ramps, bikes and skateboards. This year the skate park had several new BMX bikes for the young people to test the circuit with, which they certainly did! It is a very simple event to arrange with all the health and safety issues, equipment and training covered by the NCDC recreation officers.

"They are excellent with the young people and great fun to work with. As a parish council we hope to run future events like this throughout the year. The response of the young people is always, 'more please'.

"Neighbouring parishes have expressed an interest in hosting the skate park, possibly rotating the venue which would encourage closer parish co-operation and benefit young people unable to access this event otherwise.

"I would like to thank South Petherwin School for hosting the event, NCDC officers for running it and all the young people and parents for supporting and South Petherwin Parish Council for making this event possible. Thanks everybody for a really fun day."

Red and green sweatshirts were left behind, please contact Phil Parsons on 01566 77717 if they belong to you.