Crowds packed into Mundesley's new skate park to celebrate its official opening today - and watch with delight as a Norfolk MP joined in the spirit by leaping onto a set of wheels to try out its ramp.

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb whizzed down the incline on a scooter after cutting the ribbon to the park, before handing over to a team of professional skaters who performed tricks and stunts to the enthralled audience.

The skate park, which features a steep sided 'bowl', grinding rails and ramps, took just a year to establish but has been a long held dream for 'generations' of youngsters in the village.

The �85,00 project was spearheaded by the Mundesley Youth and Community Group (MYC) and received funding from the Big Lottery Community Spaces Fund, the Norfolk Community Foundation and a �12,000 bequest from resident Pat Bawden. The rest of the cash come from the community rallying together and organising various fundraisers.

Amanda Ng, MYC chairman, praised and thanked the village for turning out and helping to make the park a reality.

She said: 'It has been a lot of hard work getting all the funding in place and getting the various people to come together. To actually see it being used and be so popular already is incredible.

'It's amazing that little old Mundesley has managed to pull it out the bag and it's been great having the community getting behind it.'

Mr Lamb was full of admiration for the village and said Mundesley should win the prize for being north Norfolk's 'most active and successful community'.

Speaking from the top of the ramp he added: 'You are the stars here and it's absolutely fantastic to see so many people out this afternoon.'

The park has proved to be a hit with the village's skating community and its facilities are also starting to attract youngsters from further afield.