TWICE mayor of Skipton, Coun Dennis Hall, is taking to the skies in an effort to get the Aireville Park in-line skating project well and truly off the ground.

The idea of a sponsored parachute jump was borne out of sheer frustration for the children of the area by Dennis, 64, who is secretary of the wheelpark project. And it has brought support from Henry Purcell and John Pickering, past and present work colleagues at Dalesman Central Taxis, where Dennis is chief driver, who have offered to jump with him.

The Dalesman daredevils, all making their inaugural leap, will bravely launch themselves into thin air on Tuesday July 21 in Bridlington, and hope to raise £3,000 between them.

"We're doing this for the kids of Skipton," explained Dennis. "They've waited long enough for this park which we originally told them would be finished last year. The way things are going it won't get done this year unless we can raise the necessary funding.

"The wheelpark project was originally going to cost £12,000, that was when it was to be built on a site at Shortbank Close," he added. "However, because of public opinion it was decided that a new site be found and we were delighted when we were offered an area at Aireville Park.

"The problem is the cost of the project is now a massive £46,000."

The project will be completed in two phases costing £25,000 and £21,000 respectively.

"At the moment, through a great deal of dedicated fund-raising and generous donations, we are at around the £13,000 mark. The kids themselves have worked hard for their own future, raising money through car washes and things," said Dennis. "There are 28 public houses in Skipton and I'm taking a sponsor form to each one. All the taxi drivers are going to have a form in their cabs to get additional support.

"Anyone wanting to get in touch with me about sponsorship can ring me on 01756 700587 or call the taxi firm on 01756 793680 and leave a message."

Giving his full support to the trio is Dalesman taxi boss, Steve Pickering, who will be going along to video the event.

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