SKATERS and bikers turned out at Dorchester skatepark for an ‘unofficial jam’.

The Dorchester Skate Jam planned for Saturday had to be cancelled at short notice due to the weather but as the skies brightened, crowds turned out for adrenalin-fuelled fun.

Maverick, who built the Dorchester skatepark, also set up a slacklining demonstration at Maumbury Rings for people to try out the new balance sport.

An expert crew showed people how it was done as they performed a series of flips, jumps and tricks on the line.

West Dorset District Council community development officer Emma Scott said: “We were scrutinising the weather forecast and it just looked too changeable and obviously it’s a high-risk sport so we had to cancel the official jam.

“But lots of people had come down anyway and it brightened up so they had a bit of an unofficial jam.

“There was a group of people who had come up from Cornwall and a pro team from Manchester.

“We also had people from Essex, Sussex and all over the country.

“There was a really big crowd that came out and they still had some top quality entertainment.”

Chris Oliver, a skateboarder from Bridport took on the role of master of ceremonies for the impromptu event, calling out and describing the tricks as they were performed. Maverick and The Longboard Lounge skate shop from Weymouth stepped in to provide a bundle of prizes.

The skatepark committee, which organised the event, said in a statement: “We were as disappointed as anyone to have to cancel.

“But we will be rescheduling it as soon as we can in June or early July – for a new date keep an eye on the Maverick Facebook page and watch this space!”