A FANTASTIC new sports facility is to open in Hatherleigh next week — just in time for Christmas!

Work has now been completed on the new Hatherleigh Skate Park. The team behind the project has been busy fundraising in the last year, and with a grant of £50,000 from Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund, the group managed to raise £84,000 to get the project off the ground.

Among the events organised to raise funds for the skate park were a sponsored walk, jumble sale, raffle, coffee morning, and barbecue.

The team shared four different sets of plans with Hatherleigh Town Council and future skate park users before settling on the final design. It will provide skaters with a modern skate plaza to enjoy for years to come.

The opening takes place on Monday, December 23 at noon. All are welcome to attend.

Clare Tyson, from the skate group, said: 'It might not be the weather for a big skate jam — that will follow — but there will be mince pies and mulled cider to keep people warm, and hopefully some exciting displays of skateboarding prowess.'

Hatherleigh Skate Group expressed thanks to Hatherleigh Moor Management Committee, Hatherleigh Town Council, Haterleigh Parish Pump, West Devon Borough Council, Hatherleigh Rotary Club, Cllr James McInnes, South West Water, Kingsmill, Uskate, Okehampton Skate Group, everyone who supported fundraising and everyone who helped prepare the site to help make significant savings.