The skate park is due to open within months

The skate plaza at Prissick Sport and Recreation Centre in Middlesbrough is going ahead thanks to a petition signed by 500 local children.

Designed by American professional skaters, it will also be used by BMX cyclists. It will be built by Hall Construction of Rushyford in Durham.

Work on the plaza, set to be one of the largest in the UK, begins on 18 July. It is due to open in October.

Paul Rabbitts, project development officer of Middlesbrough Council said plans began after the council received a 500-signature petition from youngsters.

"The whole process has been a learning curve for us all and we have gained an incredible amount from working with both skaters and BMX users," he said.

The plaza will incorporate features from some of the most famous skate spots around the world, such as the Macba Gap in Barcelona, Nude Bowl in California and the Love Park Steps from Philadelphia.