Half-pipe dreams became reality this week with the opening of the new Helston Skate Park in a project costing almost £100,000.

It had been closed since November when equipment at Coronation Park was removed due to becoming unsafe.

Dave Bateman, who headed up the Revamp the Ramps fundraising project with his partner Clare, which provided £7,601 towards the total, said: "We are so pleased with the outcome. It is very satisfying to see the finished skate park being used by the whole community.

"It was very important to us to preserve this vital local amenity for all. The social network is so important to young people who use the skate park.

"The skate park is a great nurturing environment for encouragement from peers and mentoring others, helping to develop these important qualities for life.

"We would like to take this opportunity to also thank all the people and local businesses involved in the fundraising effort. Our thanks to successful grant funding provided by Downsland Trust in Helston and SITA waste services.

"Special thanks to Cornwall Business Solutions, Roots Skate Shop in Penzance, Sessions Skate and Surf in Falmouth and Urban Gypset in Helston for their contributions to the fundraising effort."

While the main equipment is now there, fundraising now continues to improve the area even further, with one idea being to add shelters around the edge.

Another large fundraising event is being planned at the skate park on August 11 and there will be other smaller projects throughout the year to boost funds.

Groups and organisations in Helston rallied round to help cover the cost of the new equipment, with Helston Downsland Charity giving £52,000.

SITA Cornwall Trust donated £30,000, Helston Town Council £1,500 and Cornwall councillor Mike Thomas £250 from his community chest fund, while Boo Koos owner David Lemon agreed to sponsor a ramp.

Helston's three rotary clubs - Cober Valley, Helston and Helston-Lizard - each providing £1,100 that was then doubled by the Rotary District to a total of £6,300.