Mums, dads and youngsters lined up to watch skateboard and scooter thrills and spills at a social and fundraising event held at Sheringham skatepark, The Strip, on Sunday.

Organised by Sheringham Skate Project committee chairman Rob Sayles and a team of volunteers, the Skate Jam at the Weybourne Road park aimed to bring local skaters together and raise funds towards a �150,000 project to replace wooden ramps with a purpose-built concrete skate park.

Grants totalling �55,000 have already been secured from Sport England, Norfolk Community Foundation and the National Lottery and the committee is now working on gaining charitable status.

"Because of cuts to local projects, and the recession, there is a much greater demand on the pots that are available and all our bids for funding failed last year," Mr Sayles said. "We hope that, as a charity, we would have more success."

Mr Sayles, who is an insurance company project manager, is also planning to put together a sponsorship package for local businesses.

The skatepark, which was last revamped in 2001 with a Prince's Trust award, is regularly used by around 300 children and young people aged from seven to 25. It has been a regular target for vandals, with the wooden ramps also needing to be regularly repaired and replaced because of wear and tear.

Plans have been drawn up for a boat-themed concrete park with ramps, banks, ledges and steps. "The park is regularly used by up to 300 skaters and BMX bikers aged from seven to 25, so a new park would benefit a lot of people," Mr Sayles said.

Sunday's event included a barbecue laid on by the Lobster pub and a bouncy castle provided by Norfolk Bouncy Castles, with local businesses and individuals donating more than 20 raffle prizes.

To find out more about Sheringham Skate Project, visit www.sheringhamskate.co.uk