The official opening of the long-awaited Aireville Wheelpark has been scheduled for the half-term holidays.

Chairman David Jaquin told the Wheelpark committee Annual General Meeting that phase one was nearing completion and would, hopefully, be ready for Sunday, October 25.

He surprised members by revealing that just over a year ago he was one of a group of youngsters sent away from the front of Skipton's St Andrew's Church for in-line skating in the street.

And it was he, now 16, who complained that there was nowhere else to go.

He thanked everyone for their achievement in making the wheelpark a reality - ensuring there was somewhere safe for the skaters to go - in such a short space of time.

There were also words of appreciation for the man who sent him packing, minister of St Andrew's Church and former chairman David Emison, for acting on the requests of the young people.

Chief fundraiser Archie McAdam announced that more than £31,000 had been raised - enough to complete the first stage of the project, with enough left over to begin stage two.

There was still another £15,000 to find, however, and he urged everyone to continue raising cash.

Efforts to get closer to the target include a car wash organised by Derek Blackwell, which was to be held in Great Mills' car park on Saturday.

Another fundraiser is taking part in the Great North Run, the half-marathon which was to be held in Newcastle upon Tyne yesterday.

A special thanks was given to the Lloyd TSB Foundation for England and Wales in appreciation of their grant of £3,000 towards stage two.

The park is to be opened with the first and biggest stage completed.

It will have a tarmacked area and ramps with three quarter pipes. The second stage will have five more ramps, with another fitted each time sufficient money is raised.

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