OVER 400 people signed a petition on Saturday highlighting their support for a skatepark to be built in Minehead following the tremendous success of a skate demonstration on the seafront.

Skaters, inliners and BMXers of all ages had a go - even West Somerset district councillor and deputy leader Colin Hill was spotted on a skateboard. Pictured showing off his BMX skills is Eddie Humphries

And global names like Rip Curl, Quicksilver, Salt Rock, Vans Clothing and Sidewalk Skate Mag sponsored the competitions.

The event was organised by Minehead Youth Working Group but the petition was signed by supporters aged from just nine right up to people in their 80s.

Minehead Youth Working Group chairman Richard Williams said: "The day has shown that there is a definite requirement in the town for a facility to give the youth of the town a constructive leisure pastime and the right equipment for this pastime to be carried out."

Neil Parbrook, a leading member of the group, added: "The day went excellently well and was enjoyed by all who attended, giving the skaters of the town the opportunity to ride on proper equipment and showed that a large area is needed to accommodate a skate-park and youth area."

Martin Greenwood, community safety officer at WSDC who helped support the group, said: "The day demonstrated what young people can accomplish working in partnership and that the next critical stage would be for the group to develop a business plan and secure a site that can offer an all weather facility."

The petition is still available for signing at Chaos, in The Avenue, and will be elsewhere shortly.

Photo: Steve Guscott.