CHRISTCHURCH youngsters have lent a hand to spruce up a community skate park in time for a big event in the town.

Users of the Arena Skate Park at Two Riversmeet recently joined two local PCSOs to repaint part of the park blighted by graffiti.

The team of teenagers daubed the affected areas with graffiti-proof paint to try and keep the surfaces clean and attractive for the skaters, BMX riders and other users.

They were joined by Christchurch PSCOs Tim Diggens and Martin Sparks.

Tim said: “It was a really good event.

“Around 14 or 15 users of the skate park turned up to help us and it ended up being a bit of a community event in the end.

“The kids want their skate park to look good, not to see graffiti and offensive stuff on the walls.”

The re-painting is just in time for the annual Skatejam event on Saturday April 14 at the park.

Enthusiasts of inline skating, skateboarding, scooters and BMX bikes are invited to take part in a range of competition for different age ranges.

Registration will start at 11.30am with competitions kicking off from noon.

It has been organised by Christchurch Council’s Play Rangers.

There will also be a chance to try out slacklining for the first time in the borough.

The balancing activity uses one inch nylon webbing strung between two anchor points.

It is different from tightrope walking in that the line is not taut but stretches and bounces similar to a long and narrow trampoline.

For more information contact the play rangers on 01202 495025 or 07592 553492.

Sponsors or donations of prizes for the Skatejam are welcome.