A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the Dorchester Skatepark opening day such a tremendous success.

A lot of people had a lot of fun but without the unsung heroes of the day - the volunteers - who worked so tirelessly throughout the event, it could not have run so smoothly.

An enthusiastic crowd of around 700 people of all ages turned up on Saturday to witness what must be one of the most major recreational facilities ever built for the youth of Dorchester.

The sheer quality of the new skatepark in such a unique setting will be a major attraction for visitors from across the South of England and further.

For over eleven years many local people have worked to help make this Skatepark possible.

Now everyone can see it has been well worth all the effort - and the popularity of the day spoke for itself. A fantastic team effort and a fabulous day out in the sunshine.

I would like to end by thanking and acknowledging all the local organisations and businesses who provided support, prizes and sponsorship for the event, which is all the more appreciated in the current economic climate.

They were Get on Board, Potters, Toymaster Dorchester, Team Extreme, Dorchester Cycles, Sports of Bond Street (Yeovil), Steptoes, The National Trust and Just Good Food of Chickerell, along with the support and manpower of the local Branch of the Red Cross and Dorset Community Action.

Dominic Tolson, Chairman, Dorchester Skatepark Committee, Princes Street, Dorchester.