SKATEBOARDING and spray painting don't equal trouble-making.

That's the loud-and-clear message from young skate culture enthusiasts.

And they're inviting families to come and meet them this weekend and find out more about what they're into.

Lark In The Park in Greenhead Park on Saturday and Sunday August 14 and 15 will include a secondary event, Jam In The Park - on the Saturday only.

It's designed to show that skateboarding, in-line skating, breakdancing and graffiti art is harmless fun - and not something to be frowned upon.

The event has been organised by Drug Sense outreach worker Dan Dearnley whose job is to warn young people about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

He says: "We will provide an opportunity for youngsters to get involved in positive rather than negative things."

Taking place at the skatepark, near the tennis courts, skateboarding will be showcased alongside rollerblading, break dancing and graffiti, with a PA system playing live music from local DJs.

Dan continues: "The aim is to show people that the kids are more diverse than stereotypes suggest.

"These are outdoor sports which are physically demanding and deserve a lot of respect, but we also aim to show the artistic side of graffiti."

Supporters of street art say walls should be provided for painting on around the town- then the artwork wouldn't appear in places where it shouldn't.

Organisers plan to have an urban art contest during the event.

The winner will get a month's work experience at Huddersfield company Attik design, with entries being displayed in Huddersfield Town Hall a week later.

Dan says: "Some of the work produced by graffiti artists is amazing and it's a shame that most of it is hardly ever seen."

The skatepark was built three years ago.

Park warden Don Patton, as well as Dan, has been able to build a rapport with the regulars.

"At first the graffiti artists were wary of us, but now they know that it's the only place in Kirklees where you can turn up with a spray can and not get the police on your back" says Don.

"This area means there has been less graffiti and vandalism elsewhere in the park."

The day will see a mix of local youngsters and professionals perform in aid of Drug Sense, part of Lifeline Kirklees, that helps young people and their families with drug problems.

Some skaters and artists will be travelling from Sheffield, Bristol and London and regular skaters at the park are anticipating a good day.

Jason Booth, 14, says: "I think it'll give us a chance to show people that what we do isn't a bad thing.

"I can't wait to see the pro-skaters and hear some of the music."

His friend, Jake Hartley, 16, is looking forward to the graffiti competition.

The skatepark attracts both boys and girls as well as some veterans like one 38-year-old social worker who has been skating for 25 years.

He says: "The event is a good chance to show that people shouldn't be afraid to walk through the park as we are all unfairly stereotyped. It is a part of urban street culture which is fashionable with music and clothes at the moment.

"But those who criticise us are often people who can't or haven't tried doing this skilful sport - which will be part of the Olympics in 2010."