While BMX riders were thrilling television viewers as they fought for gold medals on their showcase day at the Olympics, Whaley Bridge youngsters were demonstrating their own skills as the skatepark and BMX pump track were officially opened.

High Peak deputy mayor Tony Kemp paid tribute to the many people who have made the Whaley Bridge facility possible.  It is in Memorial Park, but near the ‘sports village’ of the football ground and the multi user games area.  Coun Kemp declined a ‘go’ himself, saying: “My knees are not good enough.”

But dozens of local youngsters and a few visitors showed their paces on scooters, bikes and skates.  The facility was designed to make it accessible for people with disabilities. Whaley Bridge certainly has a facility that other communities will envy.

The Skatepark is located above Whaley Bridge Memorial Park at the south end of the Toddbrook Reservoir Dam Wall map here