Dozens of frustrated youngsters turned out in force on Monday evening to demand a skatepark in Cromer - and threatened to 'embarrass' the town council by setting up their own in front of pier if they were ignored.

Waving 'Give Youth a Future' and 'Skate Park Issue Will Not Fade Away' banners, more than 50 young people, and some parents, packed the chamber and the lobby before and during the town council's meeting at North Lodge.

In recent weeks, many have set up a temporary skatepark for their skateboards, scooters and BMXs at the former Kiddies' Corner at North Lodge Park.

During the meeting, parent Andrew Harrison-Robertshaw spoke on their behalf, saying: 'Cromer officials have let down the youth of Cromer for too many generations. Now is the time to fight back.

'We demand the site at North Lodge Park for a skatepark. If our demands are not met, then the unofficial skatepark will be moved down to the promenade, which would be quite an embarrassment for the council.'

Before the meeting, Dean Gray, 13, said: 'I think a skatepark would benefit the youth because it keeps us occupied and healthy.'

Matthew Cox,13, said it would save them having to travel to Sheringham, North Walsham or Mundesley to use a skatepark, and Nathan Ellis, 14, said 'it would keep us off the streets'.

Earlier in the day, town mayor Greg Hayman and fellow councillor Scott Eastwood led the launch of a North Norfolk Labour Party 'skate it Cromer' campaign, designed to finally end the youngsters' hunt for a permanent park.