OKEHAMPTON Teens to Twenties are celebrating a Lottery grant of £5,000 which has given a boost to plans for a BMX and skating area in the town.

The money from the 'Awards for All' scheme will pay for a half-pipe skateboard feature.

Youth and community worker Emma Hall said it was fantastic news and very encouraging for the group, which was made up totally of young people.

'The group works on behalf of the young people in the town and they make all the decisions, so it is great the bid has been successful,' she said.

The grant will add weight to the campaign for a designated area in the town for skating and BMXing — the site for which has already been earmarked at Brayhams Terrace.

Okehampton Town Council, the Mid Devon Primary Health Care Trust, the EX20 Lottery and the Devon Youth Service have all contributed towards the project and the fund currently stands at £8,500.

Manager of Okehampton Community Recreation Association Stuart Lord said bids had been made to other funding sources and responses were being awaited — the whole project will cost in the region of £20,000.

Okehampton Town Council has backed the scheme and West Devon Borough Council has given support in principal for its land at the rear of Brayhams Terrace to be used. The detailed plans will be submitted to the planning authority in the next few weeks.

Stuart said the popularity of a skate session at the sports hall once a week proved how much demand there was for a dedicated facility.

'At the moment up to 35 young people are turning up each week and it's turned out to be the older age group of late teens which we were hoping to attract — there is a lack of facilities in Okehampton at the moment for this age group.'

The bike and skate area proposed, offers challenges on lots of levels and Stuart said everyone could use it from the beginner to the advanced.

'A lot of children get bikes for Christmas and this will be a safe environment where they can develop their skills,' he said.

'I want to thank all the organisations who have contributed money to help this project particularly the town council and the EX20 Lottery.'

The facility will include a large concreted area and Stuart is looking for donations of materials and labour. Contact him on 01837 54546 if you can help.