More than £1,000 raised to revamp town's skatepark

Police said the fundraising event "really strengthened" relationships

A fundraising event to renovate a skatepark in Devon has raised more than £1,000, organisers have said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Okehampton Police had been working with the community in a bid to rejuvenate the town's skatepark in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour.

The force said a skate jam event was held at the site on Beare Bridge Road on 17 May and included a DJ set, skate competitions and a climbing wall.

PCSO Sean Jones said: "Okehampton doesn't have much to offer children – particularly those aged 10 to 16 – and we hope local resources like the skatepark will be effective in reducing and preventing anti-social behaviour."

Mr Jones said funding was not available to the site which was in "desperate need of renovation".

Police said the Community Recreation Association, Men in Sheds, Okehampton Community Kitchen, Skate Warehouse, Immersion, Okehampton United Charities, and Okehampton Town Council all contributed towards the event.

"All of the money raised on Saturday will go to the Okehampton Skatepark Regeneration group, who are working to refurbish it and make it safe for the community to enjoy," Mr Jones said.

"We were overwhelmed by the support we received from local charities, businesses and youth clubs who provided prizes and helped to organise this fantastic event.

"I think the skate jam is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together, and this event has really strengthened the relationship between police and the Okehampton community."