GET those skates, crash helmets, knee and elbow pads out of the cupboards - the official opening of Skipton's Aireville Wheelpark has been scheduled for the half-term holidays.

Chairman David Jaquin told members at the annual general meeting of the wheelpark committee that phase one was nearing completion and would hopefully be ready for October 25.

He also surprised everyone by adding that just over a year ago he was one of a group of youngsters who had been sent away from the front of Skipton's St Andrew's Church with a flea in his ear for in-line skating in the street!

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

He thanked everyone for the wonderful achievement in making the wheelpark a reality and somewhere safe for the skaters to go in such a short space of time.

He also expressed his thanks to former chairman David Emison -- the minister at St Andrew's Church who had sent him packing - for listening to the youngsters' plight.

Treasurer Archie McAdam, announced that to date 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 urged everyone to keep on going.

Two more events have been organised and it is hoped they will be well supported. They are a car wash organised by Derek Blackwell in Great Mills' car park tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am.

Another is the Great North Run on Sunday for which Christopher Harris is in training. He would be pleased to hear from sponsors on 01756 795260.

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

Stage one will give a surfaced area and ramps, and the second stage will comprise five more ramps.

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