A DESIGN competition has been set up to raise vital funds to support the regeneration of a run down skatepark in Bournemouth.

BEAF, an independent fringe arts festival in Boscombe, has joined forces with a group of volunteers who have been working hard on reviving the skatepark built in the 1970s on the Townsend estate near Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

A spokesperson from the Noyce Gardens skatepark project said: “Within the estate and surrounding areas there aren’t many places for the local kids to hang out, which is why the revival of this skatepark could be great for the local community.

“We really hope it will change the area for the better, giving the local kids somewhere to skate and a safe space to connect.”

The performing arts group has launched a Design a Deck competition in association with Noyce Gardens DIY, Moose Skates shop, MBN Arts and Dorset Mind Charity.

All funds will go towards the costs of rebuilding the skatepark.

The winner will have their design printed and sold at Moose Skates and will receive up to £200 to spend in the shop. All entries will feature in an exhibition during the BEAF Festival in June this year, where there will be another chance to win prizes.

The competition will be judged by renowned artist/designers Soy Panday and Eloise Dörr and Bournemouth Arts Emerging Fringe young person’s ambassador, 16-year-old Fin, who will judge the Under 18’s category.

Those looking to take part can also come along during the BEAF festival, to be held from Saturday, June 26, to Sunday, July 4, to join open workshops and create a design to enter the competition.

Carol Maund, director of Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe (BEAF), said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has helped raise funds for this project so far, and we are receiving some fantastic designs already.

“We know this is an important project so felt we had to do all we could to support the volunteers at Noyce Gardens.

“The deadline to enter the competition is June 14, but you can also donate without having to submit a design too.”

Visit gotbeaf.co.uk for more details.