IT is celebrations all round following the launch of a new skatepark at King George V playing field in Swanage.

The £20,000 installation marks a successful first phase and campaigners will continue fund-raising towards additional equipment.

Gary Puntorno, who has spearheaded the campaign with a group of friends, said: "It is a really good start - it is so good to have something down here again."

The seaside resort's former skatepark was dismantled last February after the facilities were condemned in an annual health and safety inspection.

Mr Puntorno, 19, who has campaigned for a skatepark in Swanage over the last two years, said: "We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the effort."

Leslie Lipton, chairman of Freestyle Skate Ramps (the company installing the facility) said: "We are delighted to be associated with this prestigious project.

"All too often skate parks are built without consulting the users. Not in the case of Swanage. The skaters have had significant input into the design and when complete the skatepark will be a stunning facility designed by and for the skaters."

The campaigners have £5,000 left over towards funding future equipment - anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Gary Puntorno on 01929 424330.

King George V playing field is run as a charitable trust managed by the town council and last year a quarter-of-a-million-pound appeal was launched to regenerate the site.