Youngsters have triumphed in their bid to extend a Holmfirth skatepark.

The teenagers set up a project to raise £55,000 to revamp the park at Sands, Holmfirth, after the tragic death of their pal, Isaac Atkinson.

And they have now been told their fundraising drive has been a success.

Freemasons in West Yorkshire are to donate a staggering £25,000 to the project which takes it to the required total.

The news was revealed by Chrissy Hoyle, one of the committee members who had applied for grants from several organisations.

It now means that hopefully work can start on the skatepark later this year.

Skate park at Sands Rec, Holmfirth, with tributes to the late Isaac Atkinson.
Skate park at Sands Rec, Holmfirth, with tributes to the late Isaac Atkinson.

It is unlikely to be before the summer, as the site is to be used as a “fan park” by the Tour de France organisers when the race comes to Yorkshire on July 5 and 6.

But news of the success has delighted Mrs Hoyle and Isaac’s family.

His stepmother, Sandra, said: “It is fabulous news. My phone never stopped as the news spread”.

The idea to expand Sands skateboard park all started in 2011, but became a focused project in May, 2012.

A small group of teenagers contacted Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney to ask for his help to expand the park.

The group included Emily-Jane Cappleman, Harry Hale, Toby Munroe, Jake Oversby, Georgina Kitch and Isaac Atkinson.

Tragically, Isaac died on June 22, 2012, aged 14, but after a short period, the group determined to continue the work they started in memory of their friend.

Mrs Hoyle said: “This is fantastic and and I am so pleased for the young people.

“When I joined the committee last September I was amazed at their determination to see this through.

“Now we have the funding in place we shall set the ball rolling from our end and then liaise with Kirklees Council over the work.

“The kids formed their group in September 2011 and it would good to see work start on that anniversary”.

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