A new skatepark was put to the test by professional skaters and BMX riders at the official opening.

There are hopes of a holding a big annual event at the Lyme Regis skatepark, following the successful ‘official’ opening on Saturday.

A crowd of around 200 people watched the professionals taking on the skatepark, joined by talented local skaters and BMXers.

The ribbon was cut by the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Owen Lovell on behalf of Lyme Regis Town Council, which funded the £150,000 facility.

Hotdogs and drinks were served by the Skatepark Fundraising Organisation, who arranged the official opening with the help of young people who use the facility regularly.

Cheryl Reynolds, secretary and events’ organiser of the Skatepark Fundraising Organisation, said: “We were thrilled with Saturday’s event and were pleased to see so many people turning out to show their support.

“The atmosphere was great and it felt like a real coming together of the community.

“Lyme Regis has waited a long time for a skatepark, and it was a pleasure to watch people of all ages and abilities making the most of this fantastic facility and having the chance to skate and ride alongside some professionals.”

Among those to give professional demonstrations were skateboarder Dave Hunter Snaddon, who grew up in Lyme Regis, and BMX rider Ollie Palmer, who lives in Colyton.

Dave said: “Saturday was a great turn out, a lot busier than I expected.

"It's amazing that after all these years of trying, Lyme finally has a skatepark and a place for kids, teenagers and adults to practice and progress.

“It's exactly what Lyme Regis needed and I imagine you will get some more visitors and tourists coming through the town to see and use the skatepark.

“I've already had friends from Bristol and London asking about it, directions, places to stay etc.

“Thanks to everyone involved in making it happen.”

Mrs Reynolds said several new members have signed up to the skatepark committee following Saturday’s event, and there are now hopes of making it an annual gathering.

She said: “Dave Hunter Snaddon asked how I would feel about making it an annual event. I think it’s a great idea and we’ve got an enthusiastic committee to help make it happen.”

Mrs Reynolds thanked Dave Hunter Snaddon, Ollie Palmer, Simon Emmett, Chris Higgs, Emma Blackmore, Alan Reynolds, Elliott Herbert, Alan Jeffries, and the Woodroffe School pupils who helped organise the event.