Young skaters of Pembroke Dock have taken part in a skate-a-thon fundraising event at Pembroke Dock Youth Centre.

The event was organised by the young people in order to start raising money for a much-wanted skate park in the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council has recently approved planning permission for a skate park to be located within the Memorial Park in Pembroke Dock and the skaters had decided that they wanted to help things along by raising money for the project themselves.

On the day itself, 25 skaters aged between 10 and 20 years old took part in the marathon 12-hour event!

The amount of enthusiasm, skill and energy displayed by the youngsters was fantastic and contagious bringing a smile to the faces of all who attended.

The day was hosted by Matt Done, of Pembroke Dock Youth Centre, with the assistance of many people, including Jackie Lee, of BAPTARA; Sarah Payne, of Llanion Communities First; and PCSO Nadia Sullivan, of Pembroke Dock Neighbourhood Policing Team, who prepared refreshments for the skaters throughout the day and kept the skaters fed and watered thanks to the kind donations of local community groups, BAPTARA; ENCOMPASS; Pennar and Bufferland Residents Association, Tesco, Asda, Upton Farm and the Royal Navy Club, of Pembroke Dock. Special thanks is extended to these groups by the young people who were absolutely 'made up' with their support.

The skate-a-thon started at 10 am and finished at 10 pm, with all the skaters on the go all day - from the time that the doors were open the 25 skaters took to the ramps and grinders and provided a fantastic display for the many people who dropped by the youth centre throughout the day.

Visitors of all ages came along to lend their support for the youngsters and even contributed financially to the event by paying an entrance fee which was added to the sponsorship money raised by the young people themselves.

The youngsters were especially pleased to see some of the older members of the community dropping in and donating money and lending their support for a skate park to be located on the town.

It was really good to see both young and old working together for a common aim and to see them talking, laughing and enjoying themselves throughout the day was an added bonus!

All in all, the total amount of money raised was £668 which will be presented by the youngsters of the skater group to the Friends of tthe Memorial Park committee to start the ball rolling for the skate park project.

A total of £80,000 is needed to actually install the facility so there is a long way to go.. Watch this space for the next fundraising event that the skaters embark upon!

If anyone missed the event and would like to make a donation, please contact Matt Done at Pembroke Dock Youth Centre on 01646 682823.