A group of youngsters are urging Bradford Council to build a skateboarding and in-line skating venue for enthusiasts in memory of a young skater who died last year.

Francis Ancliffe, 15, of Pothouse Road, Wibsey, has launched a campaign with friends to construct a state-of-the-art venue in time for the millennium for skaters in Odsal and Wibsey.

The teenager said he was looking for support from councillors for the venture, which was badly needed in the area, and was drawing up a petition to get community support for the plan.

"The nearest skating park for serious skaters is Wakefield and we should have something of the same standard here," he said.

Francis has earmarked a site near to Wibsey Park where there is an unused car park and mill which he believes would be the ideal spot.

He said the venture would be a fitting tribute to nine-year-old Ryan Harrison, who died after the skateboard he was travelling on ran in front of a bus in Brownroyd Hill, Wibsey, last summer.

His parents Andrew and Caroline have already called on the Council to provide more areas for children to play.

Francis, a pupil of Buttershaw Upper School, said a lot of his friends skated in the park or on the streets, which often caused problems for other people.

His idea has won backing from pal Anthony Booth, 12, of Wibsey. He said youngsters need to have a place with ramps and ample space to practise.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said: "There is already a popular skateboarding area in Wibsey Park, but we would look into any issues raised."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.