CHILDREN who helped put the wheels in motion for a skate park in Rainsough were guests of honour at its official launch.

They could not wait to try out the new ramps at Drinkwater Park in Prestwich, showing the older members of the community a trick or two.

Rainsough skate park, which is just off Rainsough Brow, was opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Coun Wilf Davison and his wife, Maureen.

It has been built as a result of a partnership between Bury Council, youth services, Rainsough Tenants' and Residents' Association, Prestwich Area Board, the police and Community Safety Partnership and the youngsters themselves.

The idea was to create something that would keep them off the streets. And it seems to have worked.

PC Andy Ferguson, community beat officer for Prestwich, said: "This is a fantastic day for the local community. It is somewhere they can use up all their pent up energy! Before, we had a problem with youths hanging around on street corners in gangs. They weren't committing an offence but the size of the gangs were intimidating."

PC Ferguson, pictured watching skater Rumel Haynes (14), of Butterstile Close, Prestwich, in action, added: "The young people have now got somewhere of their own to go and there has been a reduction in the number of gangs."

Glenis Harrison, Prestwich area manager for youth services, said: "This has taken two years to get off the ground. In the summer months I am sure it will be well used by the youngsters."

The skate park plan was backed by Rainsough TRA who put in a successful bid for funding with the Local Network Fund.

Coun Davison called the facility "brilliant" and said it was much needed in the area. He added: "I just wish I was good enough to go on it!"

The park got the thumbs up from youngsters, some of whom had travelled from Radcliffe and Ramsbottom to have a go.

Thirteen-year-old Jordan Sayers, of Rainsough, said: "It's all right, it could be a bit bigger but it is better than skating on the streets and getting run over by cars!"

Josh Lambert (11) said he thought it was "mint" while his friend Matthew Casey (11), also of Rainsough, said: "It's good. We've never had a skate park near here before, although it would have been better in the park on Kersal Road. Some kids aren't allowed down here, it's too far."

It is hoped the park will be fitted with floodlights and CCTV cameras for extra security.