TEENAGER Joe Wright has single-handledly secured a whopping £11,000 grant to refurbish a popular sports park.

When Weymouth’s skatepark, The Front, needed a facelift, the 15-year-old rollerblading fanatic took matters into his own hands.

His determination and drive secured the cash from the Youth Capital Fund (YCF).

Added to £6,000 from the Actively Building Campaign (ABC), it will allow for a grand £17,000 makeover for the seafront facility, due to be unveiled on the park’s eighth birthday in July.

Joe, from Westham, was forced to quickly learn a whole raft of new skills in completing the grant application.

He said: “I printed off a 20-page booklet which all had to be filled out, but it was something I thought I could do.

“We had to figure out exactly the amount we needed for the scheme, so I had to do everything from designing the new ramps to getting quotes from businesses.

“I never thought that I would get all the money, so when I found out I phoned up all my mates from the park and everyone was really happy.”

The upgrade will include all-weather surfaces created using Skatelite, a specialist durable covering that provides extra speed and friction.

A new four-foot mini-ramp will also be installed for beginners, as well as a redesigned street course section produced by seasoned users of the park.

Joe said: “This used to be classed as one of the best outdoor skateparks in Europe when it opened (in 2001).

“Lots of people have already said they want to come back to Weymouth once the work is done.”

Joe was galvanised into action after hearing of the YCF scheme from his teacher at Budmouth Technology College, Kirsty Legg.

Skatepark staff Tom Jones and Henry Johnson also offered gave their expertise to the proposal, which was approved by the Dorset Youth Council last month.

Mr Johnson said: “Without Joe, we wouldn’t be doing any of this work. Each year we try and develop the park, but we’ve not been able to do anything for the last couple of years because of a lack of funds.

“This money will make a massive difference.”

The YCF aims to allow young people to decide how money should be spent on activities and facilities in their area, with the goals of community benefit and value for money.

Shani Bancroft, from the Dorset Youth Service, paid tribute to Joe’s fundraising efforts.

She said: “Joe did a fantastic job putting the proposal together.”

Work on the improvements will begin in June, with the renovations unveiled on July 11.