A spectacular skatepark dream is closer to coming true after the Sheringham Skate Project secured �50,000 for the first phase.

Groundwork Community Spaces has awarded the money, which will go alongside grants from Sheringham Town Council, the Geoffrey Watling Charitable Trust and the Paul Bassham Charitable Trust - taking the total to �65,000.

The money will enable the group to instal a custom-built concrete bowl and ramps, which forms phase one of the �150,000 project.

The committee has been working for the last seven years with local young people and parents, supported by a host of organisations.

Last year there was a public exhibition and consultation for the new park design, won by Maverick Industries with its HMS Gnar concrete fishing boat idea.

The new design is earmarked for the site of the current facility, in front of Splash on Weybourne Road. The existing skatepark is in constant need of repair because it is made of wood and the ramps rot in wet weather.

Committee chairman Rob Sayles said: 'After years of work, we've finally achieved our primary target and can hopefully prepare for a great summer of skating and BMXing.

'We now need to concentrate on raising �85,000 to complete phase two and bring HMS Gnar home to Sheringham. We'll be contacting local businesses, potential sponsors and the whole community to work alongside us and the funding bodies. We've proved that it can be done with some hard work and a little patience.'

He added: 'Once phase one is completed, we plan to run regular public events, skate jams, and sport training programmes. A sustainability grant will help organise training, introductory and engagement events, as well as 'come-and-try-it' days.

'Other Norfolk youth services groups have expressed interest in supporting our training events for young people, particularly the disadvantaged.'

The project team has already started work to secure additional support from Sport England and other funding organisations, to enable development of phase two, including a concrete plaza, driveway and HMS Gnar.

The organisers hope that both phases of the project can be run in sequence, allowing a complete redevelopment of the facility in 2012/13.