A SKATE park is up and rolling again thanks to a group of parents who formed a charity to re-open it.

Youngsters were devastated when in April last year mhs homes decided to close The Unit 1 Indoor Skatepark in Laker Road, Rochester, because not enough youngsters were using it.

Two months later, seven parents set up charity Rochester Indoor Skatepark Club and started applying for funding to raise the £25,000 needed for the rent.

The Medway Youth Opportunity Fund agreed to pay it with a further £5,000 coming from Kent County Council to fund the setting up costs. The committee was able to re-open the skate park to the public again on January 4.

Charity committee member Kathy Holmes said: "Since re-opening, we’ve had so many youngsters and their parents say how great it is that it’s is back up and running again.

"Our busiest nights are Friday and Saturday, with 60 kids coming through the door on one night alone.

"We hope to open the skate park during the day so schools can bring pupils along for a fun day out."

The skate park, which is equipped with ramps, half pipes and quarter pipes, is open to youngsters aged six plus.

A cafe and toilet facilities are available on site and the charity has just secured £2,000 from KCC so it can buy equipment for a chill-out room.

Kent Community Foundation has donated £7,000 so a bowl and beginners area can be created.

A further £5,500 has been handed over by Sports Relief for resurfacing.

Rochester East councillor Teresa Murray and Rochester West councillor Mark Reckless donated £500 each to the charity and KCC councillors Geoff Rowe and Trudy Dean donated £2,000 so youngsters living outside the Medway area have access to transport to the skate park.

The charity plans to start skating lessons and to open a shop selling skate gear.