Skateboarders in Prestatyn are ready to roll at the official opening of a �27,000 state-of-the-art skatepark.

The park, which the youngsters helped design, is the first in a series of facilities due to be built across Denbighshire.

This is a much needed facility for the area and I'm looking forward to seeing it well used Gerry Frobisher, Prestatyn mayor

Teenagers, who have been using the town's streets and car parks for their sport, have contributed to the council's initiative.

Town mayor Gerry Frobisher said it was important to listen to the county's youth.

"We have been out on the streets talking to young people about what they want to see at the park," he said.

"Hopefully they will not be disappointed when they see what we have done with their ideas.

"This is a much needed facility for the area and I'm looking forward to seeing it well used," he added.

Youngsters have been involved in the plans

The skatepark at Coronation Gardens in the town has been funded with a �17,000 grant from Prestatyn Town Council and �10,000 from Denbighshire.

Groups demanding facilities for skaters and BMX bikers have been set up in Rhyl, Prestatyn, Denbigh, Llangollen and Corwen.

Oliver Hudson from Rhyl said it is difficult to find somewhere safe to skate.

"We're always getting kicked off spots where we go skating by security guards and the police.

"We usually go to car parks skating and we go around Liverpool and Manchester where they have skateparks," he said.

Councillor Tom Parry said the authority had to cater for the younger generations of Prestatyn.

"This has all been about involving young people every step of the way, from the drawing board right through to the finished product," he said.

"Denbighshire is committed to developing wheeled sport facilities throughout the county.

"This is particularly exciting for us as it is the first one to be opened," he added.

The county's second skatepark is earmarked to be built on Rhyl promenade.