AN ambitious group of young people who secured £100,000 of funding to create Largs new skate park have deemed it a resounding success as they prepare to celebrate its first birthday.

Now they are hoping to win funding to press ahead with ambitious expansion plans - including installing lighting and tiered seating for spectators.

Cameron Donaldson, 20, is one of the people behind the project.

He said: "The success of the park has gone beyond our expectations and as a result has provided additional skills for the young people locally.

"As group we have taken ownership of the park and keep it clean and tidy.

"Our skateboarders can regularly be seen with a brush and mop keeping the park clean and free of rubbish.

"Our passion for skating has lead to competitions further afield, with two of our own under 16's doing well in prestigious national competitions.

"One of our older skaters has even gone on to teach skateboarding with a recognised company.

"We now hope to source funding for additional lighting so the park can be used in the darker nights, as well as building tiered seating on the banking for spectators and users."

The original funding was secured after a group of 12 children from the local community attended a North Coast Locality meeting, where they gave a presentation on the need for a new park.

The group laid out the benefits that young people derive from skateboarding including health and fitness, benefits to mental health as well as the social side of things.

Largs Academy have also recognised the initiative by awarding ARC awards to the group for services to the community.

Largs skaters spokeswoman Veronica Galbraith said: "It really is such a warm and safe community for all age groups.

"The support they all have for each other is absolutely incredible, they help each other out and try and teach each other new tricks.

"They are very proud of what they have achieved and rightly so, what they have managed to accomplish for the town will be there to benefit many more in years to come.

"I don't think their has been a single negative comment. The local community has rallied behind them and even older people going along the prom love seeing the kids using the park."

Since launching they have held an official skate jam which attracted 63 competitors from ages 8 to 38, travelling from Glasgow, Ayr Greenock and Renfrew, as well as other events, including a Halloween disco.