The skate park sessions are free of charge

Skaters, basketball players and BMX riders in Doncaster will soon have a place to show off their skills.

Doncaster Council's "Street Sport" project was officially opened in the town centre by Mayor Martin Winter on Sunday.

It boasts a state-of-the-art skate park and a basketball facility, bought with money from the Doncaster Children's Fund and the Single Regeneration budget.

Both are fully mobile and will be touring various sites throughout the borough, led by two teams of trained sports leaders.

The launch follows a successful pilot project that used facilities hired by the council while it developed its own.

Youngsters occupied

Mayor Winter said he was delighted with the council's new scheme, claiming it would benefit everyone in Doncaster.

"One of the main causes of crime and disturbances in a number of the Borough's deprived areas has been a lack of activities for young people," he said.

"Part of my mayoral commitment is to address this issue by providing skate parks and similar projects which give young people the opportunity to get involved in a worthwhile activity.

He added: "I am sure this project will do just that and be a huge benefit throughout the Borough."