Aiming high: Cromer skatepark confirms plans to become best in North Norfolk

Cromer skatepark celebrated its second anniversary at the weekend - just months after it was threatened with closure.

And now the volunteers who helped to rescue it have confirmed they are pressing ahead with plans to make it the best in North Norfolk.

Scores of visitors, young and old alike, attended the attraction's big birthday bash at Meadow Park on Saturday, which turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year so far.

The skatepark is suitable for skateboards, scooters and bikes and was designed to address the lack of facilities for the area's youth. It cost £150,000 and was built after years of fundraising.

However, a lack of volunteers to oversee the running the park almost forced its closure earlier this year until a new committee was formed following a public appeal for help.

Now it is hoped to fundraise for an extension to the park which could give more space to beginners and be wheelchair accessible.

Emma Spagnola, from Cromer skatepark committee, said: 'There's been a brilliant turnout and a real celebration with hundreds of young people enjoying themselves.

'I'm a mum of four children and I've got a teenage son who uses the skatepark a lot. I've also lived here all my life and I know about the lack of facilities for youngsters so to have something like this for the town and surrounding villages is priceless.

'If it had closed it, children in Cromer would have been made to go to other towns or they would have been on the streets and that's not where we want them to be.

'We're one of the top skateparks in North Norfolk and we intend to make it the best.

'We're looking at making it a fully inclusive skatepark, we want to extend it for younger children so they don't interfere with the older children. I've also been in touch with wheelchair skaters who said that that kind of system would also work for them.'

The family fun day included competitions, a barbecue and live music. And organisers pointed out everyone seemed to have a scorcher.

Cromer Mayor John Frosdick said: 'The skatepark has been very good for the youth, there are loads of kids around really enjoying themselves.

'The skatepark has grown immensely. A few weeks ago it was under threat of closure but thanks to the brilliant team behind the skatepark looks like it will not only survive but grow too.'

Local councillor Tim Adams, who organised the public meeting to put together the new skate park committee, said the aim of the event was to 'have a great day.'

'It's important for teenagers to have their space,' he added.