School skatepark officially opens in UK first

Skateboard GB has said it is a "dream come true" for students

A "first of its kind" school skatepark has officially opened.

Top riders presented the new facility at Folkestone Academy, Kent, to the local community during an event on Saturday that drew in hundreds of people.

The academy, part of Turner Schools, says it hopes the park will offer young people a safe, controlled environment to develop their skills, build confidence and exercise more.

A spokesperson for Skateboard GB, the national governing body for skateboarding in England, told the BBC it was the first concrete skatepark in a school with a bowl.

'Progressive step forward'

"Building a skatepark in a school is a really progressive step forward," they added.

"Skateboarding can appeal to students who are turned-off by competitive sports, but still want to be active."

In a Facebook post, Skateboard GB said: "This is a dream come true for the students and young skaters."

The park will be used by pupils at lunchtime, after school, and for Saturday morning clubs, plus it is also being made available for wider community use, according to Turner Schools.

The skatepark was built last winter

The skatepark was completed in September last year, after six weeks of construction work.

While pupils have had some use of the park, a spokesperson for Turner Schools said the event on Saturday was aimed at inviting the local community to come and see the space "in action".

It was funded by the Friends of Folkestone Academy charity, which supports both Folkestone Academy and Folkestone Primary School.