YOUNGSTERS in a Hampshire town are celebrating the opening of a new £165,000 skatepark that has replaced a rusting and outdated facility.

The eagerly-awaited skatepark has been built at Woodside Park in Lymington and is set to witness a dazzling display of gravity-defying stunts during the school holidays.

Its opening follows a two-year fundraising campaign by members of Skate Lymington and other members of the community.

The lion’s share of the cash came from Lymington and Pennington Town Council, which donated £135,000 to the project.

A town council spokesman said: “The new concrete design replaces the previous rusting skatepark.

“Safety is a priority with signage pushing for safety equipment to be used when enjoying the facility. And the skatepark to be used during daylight hours only.

“The scheme was finished on time, ready to be enjoyed throughout the summer.”

Other contributors included the Veolia Environmental Trust, which awarded the project a grant of £29, 431. Money was also donated by Waitrose, Lymington Lions and Skate Lymington.

Built by Gravity Skateparks the free facility was opened by the town mayor, Cllr Barry Dunning.

Project manager Matt Totczyk said the skatepark was already proving popular.

“Today there were at least 35 people down the park - a busy day used to be five people,” he said.

“The old skatepark was beginning to show its age - rust holes, ramps coming apart from the concrete and a rough floor making it difficult to ride.

“In contrast the new concrete skatepark will be fantastic for local skaters and will undoubtedly encourage others to take up skating.”