YOUNGSTERS with disabilities will be able to share in the fun at a new Worcester skateboard park, thanks to a grant from Gannett, the parent company of the Evening News.

Perdiswell Young People's Club, based in Droitwich Road, Worcester, has been awarded £4,822 to buy 10 specially-adapted tricycles and four wheeled vehicles suitable for use on the skateboard ramps and bowls.

"It's brilliant that Gannett is giving us this money. It's going to provide an opportunity for disabled young people to make use of the skate park," said manager Phil Weston.

"We did some consultation about two years ago and people said children with special needs wouldn't be able to use the park, so we have come up with this solution.

"The tricycles will be suitable for children aged from seven upwards."

Several groups for young people with disabilities already use the club, including children from Manor Park School, St John's, who use the bouncy castle.

The scheme for a skateboard park and lodge at Perdiswell received the go-ahead earlier this year after the club reached its fund-raising target of £250,000 with the help of various charities.

The first phase of work, including an archaeological dig and noise assessment, is now finished and building has begun in earnest.

"We are hoping to have the skate park completed by Saturday, July 17, in time for the school holidays," said Mr Weston.

"The skate lodge, providing a base with toilets, refreshments and a first aid post, should be ready by September."

Mr Weston said he intended to consult with special needs schools and allocate them as many day-time sessions as possible when the park opens.

"It has been a struggle, but we have reached our targets and been able to extend the park and introduce more ramps.

"Thanks to Gannett's grant through the Greater Bristol Foundation, disabled young people will benefit too," he said.

The club aims to raise another £1,000 for a compound in which to store the special tricycles.