KEEN skateboarders in Hartlepool have praised a scheme that has allowed them to continue their hobby throughout the winter months.

Funding from the Safer Hartlepool Partnership has paid for six floodlights at the Mill House skate park to be lit for four hours on five nights a week since the beginning of the year.

Without the lights, it would have been too dark for skateboarders to use the park.

Chris Davison, 15, who uses the skate park with Conor Easby, 14, said: "I have been able to come down after school and have some fun. I wouldn't have been able to use the skate park as much as I have done if the lights hadn't been switched on."

Andy Pearson, Hartlepool Council's Parks and Countryside Manager, said: "Youngsters like Chris and Conor use the park responsibly to practice their hobby, and the lights mean they have had somewhere to go over the darker nights.

"Unfortunately, not everyone leads by their example, and it was recognised as part of a criminal damage action plan for the town that the lighting would help to deter the few non-skaters who were causing anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

"Thanks to the lighting, we have seen significant decreases in anti-social behaviour and upwards of 20 youngsters have been using the skate park each night."

The improved lighting is part of the "It's Not Cool, it's Criminal" campaign that was launched last year by several agencies in the town to clampdown on criminal damage.

Anyone with information about criminal damage should contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 326326.

Photo caption (left-right): Skateboarders Conor Easby, 14, and Chris Davison, 15, at the Mill House skate park.