YOUNGSTERS are enjoying a new extension to the popular BMX and skate park at Potterne Park in Verwood.

The skatepark now has LED flood and feature lighting and a youth shelter to add to the well-used dirt track, bowl and speaker system.

The extension was opened by Lucy Clark in one of her last public engagements as chairman of East Dorset District Council.

And at the opening there was a “skatejam” for skateboarders and BMX bikers to show off their skills and freestyle displays from members of the Vans Team – one of the country’s leading skate teams.

The facility boasts a special design that caters for beginners and provides a street and urban park for more experienced riders.

The council consulted users and identified ways to further develop the park with successful grants amounting to £65,000 from the Heathland Mitigation Fund, East Dorset District Partners and Communities Together and Synergy Housing Association.

Cllr Lucy Clark, pictured right, said: “This new park is sure to attract users from all over the district and hopefully further afield.

“It will not only provide a fantastic facility for wheeled sports but also continue to mitigate against damage to our precious heathland by BMXs.

“Our thanks go to East Dorset District Council’s Countryside Management Service for project managing yet another superb venture in East Dorset, which I have no doubt will be a very great success.”

The work to build the extension was carried about by the company 1 Skateparks.