YOUNGSTERS in Great Harwood are to get their own skatepark after planners gave the scheme the go-ahead.

Police and county youth workers have been working with children in the town for three years to design and research the project.

The scheme will convert a car park at the junction of Game Street and Town Hall Street, Great Harwood, into a multi-use games area. Facilities will include a platform for skateboarders, and goalposts and basketball hoops.

Additional lighting will be installed at each end of the court and special fencing will be built to deaden the sound.

PC Helen Jackson, who has championed the scheme for three years, said the youngsters had liaised with councillors and other authorities in the preparation of the facility.

"People perceive all our youth are rebels - they are not," she said. "They are quite good kids who spent their own time helping design this.

"They have sat with adults, councillors and people they would not have thought of speaking to."

Coun Dave Parkins added: "It shows if you work with young people 95 per cent of them will work with you."