A young Cross Hills gang has got on its skates to appeal for a local wheel park.

Alex Delmege, Jack Blackburn and Scott Sommerville all 13, who live on or near Ryeland Street, are fed up of having a small patch of grass on which to indulge in their favourite past time.

They are three of a local group of youngsters who enjoy in-line skating, skateboarding, BMX-riding, trail-biking and scooter riding in the village.

But they find this difficult with only about ten by four metres of land next to the road on Ryeland Street at their disposal.

The nearest purpose-built skate park is Skipton's Aireville Park.

Alex, a pupil at South Craven School, says: "We're annoyed about paying the bus fare and want somewhere here."

Residents have complained about the skaters' activities and the youngsters are aware of traffic dangers, but say they have nowhere else to go.

So with minimal adult guidance, Alex, Jack and Scott decided to take action. After collecting about 100 names on a petition and drawing up plans of their ideal wheel park, the three boys pleaded their case at Glusburn Parish Council meeting last Wednesday.

They have cited Glusburn Park as a possible location for a skaters' haven and suggest sponsorship be sought from local businesses.

Councillors agreed to arrange a site meeting with the boys in Glusburn Park to look for a suitable area to adapt and to consult Craven District Council over cost.

"Glusburn Park has got to be used and we've got to encourage it," said parish council chairman Isobel Westhead.