THE Mayor of Hereford dropped in to the official launch of the new skatepark extension on Thursday, joining crowds of young skaters on their Easter holidays.

The Mayor however declined to swap his chain for a skateboard and test out the new street-scene section himself.

The £120,000 project increased the park’s surface area by 40 percent, now making it one of the largest of its type in the UK.

A huge hit since ‘Phase One’ was completed four years ago – this is now ‘Phase Three’, with the next stage looking to include an indoor section, changing facilities and a cafe – the new street-scene extension to the park lets skaters spread out, lowering the chance of accidents, said Skatepark coach Jason Dare.

"It makes it more fun, and more challenging to an even wider audience," added Mr Dare.

Brian Stephens, Trustee and Treasurer of Wheeled Sports 4 Hereford, the charitable organisation that spearheaded the project, said: “It’s an amazing moment.”

“Back in 2004, when a group of volunteers got together to try and build a top-quality skatepark, none of us were sure it would happen.

“So many kind and generous organisations have offered their support – so from all those involved, it is a big thank you.”