Youngsters hoping to set up an Otley skate park are bursting with fund-raising ideas after seeing how another group achieved their dream.

Members of the Space to Grow project visited Earby, near Skipton, where skaters have raised thousands of pounds for their own equipment in just 12 months.

And the group got some valuable advice from young and old alike who worked together to raise the cash.

Betty Bevan, Space to Grow secretary, said: "Two older ladies were there and told us all the sponsorship events they've been organising.

"I would have liked older residents of Otley to see them because they're so proud of their achievement."

The skaters in Earby started the bid for the park after being criticised for using the streets. Mrs Bevan said she was well aware of the problems facing Otley's youth and urged people to be more supportive of the scheme to build the centre in Wharfemeadows Park.

"The two ladies in Earby told me they got a lot of pleasure from going down to the park as spectators. It was wonderful, they were thrilled to show off their skate park," she added.

"People think the children are going to be making lots of noise but we want them in Wharfemeadows Park to get them off the street.

"We also want it to be free of charge so that kids can use it after school.

"This is for all people - the unemployed, young and old."

Mrs Bevan said younger members of Space to Grow, who had been wondering how to start raising money, now had plenty of ideas.

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