AN Ilkley man is laying down a challenge to the town's 112 millionaires - to put their hands in their pockets for the skateboard park campaign.

As a former skateboarder himself, floor tiler Mark Whittington, of Skipton Road, knows how frustrating it can be to have nowhere to pursue the sport safely. But since hearing about the town's high concentration of millionaires (the highest in Yorkshire), the 27-year-old has been doing his sums and thinks they could be doing more.

He said: "I was walking down past the Town Hall one day and there was a woman really telling off these young lads for skating on the pavement.

"Fair enough, no-one wants them skating near roads or where people are walking, but nobody seems to do anything to solve the problem by giving them somewhere they can do it without causing a problem.

"Over the past few weeks, I have been increasingly interested in the progress of the Pipedream skateboard park project. I believe it is such a worthwhile scheme which will offer so much to the youth of Ilkley, and in a town like this it doesn't have to be a dream.

"I personally think there are even more than 112 millionaires in Ilkley. However, these people will know who they are and that Pipedream needs their help."

Following a £15,000 donation by Bradford Council and the £5,000 expected from an Easter Raffle Draw, Pipedream's running total will stand at around £25,000 - still some £30,000 short of what is needed.

But Mr Whittington says the town's 112 wealthiest residents could raise that money for the charity 'in a flash' by giving £267.85 each.

And to start off the whole process, Mr Whittington's girl friend, Lucy Cherrington, owner of Ilkley hairdressing salon Shine, has offered to make the first donation.

Mr Whittington said: "Shine, rest assured, is still a long way off its first million but would like to get the ball rolling by giving the first £267. This will hopefully be the first of many.

"We live in a town which can boast a gym, a swimming pool, and golf, cricket, tennis and rugby clubs for young and old. We have a bowling green and the Clarke Foley Centre mainly for the elderly, but nothing solely for the youth of Ilkley who play such a major part in this town."

Pipedream finance committee member William Whitaker said he was delighted with Mr Whittington and Miss Cherrington's gesture, and hoped others would follow their example.

"I think it is a super idea and we wholeheartedly thank them for showing a lead. I would echo the sentiment and call on all 112 of our millionaires to chip in!"

Anyone who would like to support the bid to have a riverside skateboard park built in New Brook Street can send cheques made payable to Pipedream to the Ilkley Gazette, 8 Wells Road, Ilkley LS29 9JD.