THE North-west's first free, fully-equipped skatepark will roll into action next week.

After five years of effort, members of the Radcliffe Association of Dedicated Skaters (RADS) will celebrate in fast moving, stunt-twisting style when their new facility is officially opened on Wednesday.

The young skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX riders, who refused to take no for an answer in their fight to establish the skatepark, managed to raise £185,000 to get the project finally off the ground.

The skatepark, built on a derelict site in Hutchinson Way, Radcliffe, has features for all abilities -- mini ramps, a street course, wall riding and halfpipes, banks and fun boxes. RADS co-ordinator Chris Kelman said: "This is the first fully equipped community skatepark in the region and it is a testimony to the young people of Radcliffe.

"They put aside frustration at the lack of facilities for their sports, and the annoyance of being considered a public nuisance and constantly being moved on from the places they skated in, to do something about it.

"More than anything else, the skatepark has demonstrated the ability and willingness of young people to work in partnership with the local community."

Financial support for the scheme has come from the Pilsworth Environmental Company, the North West Development Agency, Manchester Guardian Society and Bury Council.

As well as day-to-day use, the skatepark will also host future events such as competitions, which are expected to bring in some of the best riders in the region.

One of the biggest supporters of the scheme has been the council-run Radcliffe Area Board. Chairman Cllr Barry Briggs said: "Young people from the town have been involved in this project from the word go.

"They devised it, lobbied for it, were instrumental in bringing in funding and helped with the design and lay-out. Now, finally, they can enjoy it."

He added: "The involvement of the young people, their commitment and willingness was vital in encouraging a positive response from Bury Council. The council will share the upkeep and maintenance of the site with RADS and the young people who use the skatepark.

"At the same time, not only will this facility be well used by local people, it is also set to attract riders from right across the North-west."