Ilkley'S much sought-after skate park began to take shape this week as work started on East Holmes Field.

After four years of campaigning by Ilkley parents and young people, work began at the riverside site, close to Ilkley Rugby Club, on Monday.

Campaign group Pipedream raised £35,000 towards the scheme - which will cost £52,000 - and the rest of the money will be paid by Bradford Council's Parks and Landscape Service. The sum includes a contribution from the developers in Ilkley College as part of an earlier planning agreement.

Pipedream chairman Keith McGregor said: "It has taken a great deal of energy to make this skate park happen."

When completed, the skate park will include state-of-the-art skating obstacles, including a 'half pipe' a series of complex ramps, a 'fun box', plus boundary fencing, and signs giving the opening hours of the site and advice to skaters to wear safety gear.

Ilkley ward councillor and Bradford Council environment chief Anne Hawkesworth was at the site on Monday morning as the diggers moved in.

She said: "I am delighted to see all the hard work of Pipedream pay off. This has been a lengthy project and great care was taken to choose a site least likely to be a disturbance to nearby residents."

She said she hoped the new facilities would stop young people from skating and skateboarding in town centre streets. Parish councillors have previously discussed the introduction of a bylaw to end skating and skateboarding in the town centre, once the new skating facilities have been provided.

Coun Hawkesworth was involved in the early discussions over creating the skate park at East Holmes Field, after opposition to other sites.

Mr McGregor thanked members of Pipedream and all others who had helped with the drive for the skate park.

"I would like to thank William Whitaker, John Daure, Simon Cape, Hugh Brumfitt, David Deakin and Bradford Council for all their hard work.

"Thanks also to Ilkley Parish Council, the Rotary Club and the many businesses and individuals for their financial support that has made the pipe dream become a reality," he said.

The aim is now to have the skate park completed next month, in time for the school summer holidays. Pipedream will disband after the opening of the skate park.

Members hope to hold an official opening event at the skate park, featuring rock bands and special guests, although no arrangements have yet been made for the event.