YOUNG skateboarders descended on the riverside this week en masse to try out Ilkley's new skatepark.

Fundraising group Pipedream was delighted to see crowds of children and teenagers enjoying the new facilities - which it pledged to have ready in time for the school summer holidays.

Pipedream chairman, Keith McGregor, said: "It really, really is good. Everybody is saying it's absolutely fantastic, it's the best skate park they've seen. It's absolutely covered in kids. My kids got back at ten o' clock one night and said it was so busy they couldn't get on it."

Although it has finally achieved its goal of providing a safe skateboarding area for Ilkley's young people, Pipedream will no disband until Saturday August 2, when it is holding an official celebration to mark the skate park's opening.

The opening event, which is being supported by

the neighbouring Ilkley Rugby Club, will feature

refreshments for all those skaters who turn up, and free music from local youth rock bands.

Following years of difficulties in finding a site acceptable to all, within easy reach of the town, and safe for young people, Pipedream began its final push for skate park facilities in the New Year.

It called on Ilkley residents and businesses to make donations, and held fundraising events including a grand prize draw and a concert.