Skateboarders in Plymouth are to take part in a marathon to raise money to repair damage to the city's war memorial caused by other skaters.

Skateboarders and rollerbladers are to complete a 26-mile course around the Hoe on the city's seafront.

Inconsiderate skaters are blamed by the council for causing the damage.

Skating is banned at the memorial and the city centre.

Some of the money raised will also go towards funding for indoor and outdoor skatepark facilities in the city.

This is a way of showing that not all skaters are inconsiderate

Stuart Dudley, Plymouth City Council

A spokesman for Plymouth City Council said: "We know that it's a few irresponsible skateboarders that have caused the damage to the memorial."

"We have warning signs in the area saying skating is banned, but a small minority is causing the problem."

He said: "This will be a positive thing for other skaters to do to repair the damage and help build skate facilities."

'Strong feelings'

The event, organised by Plymouth Ramp Sports Forum and Plymouth City Council Sports Development Unit, is to take place on 30 October.

Plymouth City Council communities manager Stuart Dudley said: "Skateboarding is something that can arouse strong feelings.

"But this is a way of showing that not all skaters are inconsiderate."

Plymouth has no skateboard facilities

Stewart Monk of the Plymouth Ramp Sports Forum said: "The forum is strongly against skaters on the war memorial, but recognise that young people have few opportunities to skate in the city.

"We are actively working with police, councillors, local business, young people and parents towards providing proper facilities in Plymouth."

Councillor Vivien Pengelly added: "This is a chance for young people to put forward positive suggestions about what sort of facilities they want and to get involved in their development."

Individuals, teams from local businesses, community groups and schools are being invited to take part.