Plans for an expanded skatepark in Holmfirth have reached a milestone.

Delighted organisers of the appeal to raise £55,000 to revamp the park at Sands have confirmed they are more than half way to their total.

And the project – in memory of Holmfirth teenager Isaac Atkinson – is set to get a further boost with more fundraising events.

They include a big raffle, an event at The Postcard Inn on December 18 and carol singing around the town.

A major concert is also planned for the Picturedrome next March, repeating an event held earlier this year.

The idea to expand Sands Skateboard Park all started in 2011, but became a focussed 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.

Isaac’s stepmother Sandra Atkinson said: “The fundraising continues and we have now, with the promise of £3,000 from the Holme Valley Area Committee and £4,000 from the Huddersfield Common Good Trust, reached over half way to our goal.

“Our latest contribution has come from the mammoth efforts of Alexis Smith who tirelessly sold 1,000 raffle tickets all over Holmfirth and further afield. “James and Anne Crossland, the owners of Wishes Gift Shop in Holmfirth, who also sold tickets in the shop, thought of the raffle idea and donated two huge hampers of Yankee Candles as prizes.

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

“Louise Curtis, the owner of Hot Banana Music Shop in Holmfirth, has been amazing too. She has been ‘vocally tuning’ many of our group ready for carol singing around Holmfirth. This has not been an easy job at all, as the group range from four to just over fifty. Many thanks for her perseverance, time and hot chocolate!

“We are now focussing on the next concert at the Picturedrome. Peter Carr has very kindly offered the Picturedrome for free again, on Sunday March 23 and confirmation about the bands and the timetable for this event will be available on the website in the New Year.

“It was a fantastic event this year and we hope that it will be just as well attended next year.

“Concert4Sands is one of many events to help raise the funds needed for a better skate park for all.”