AS work was due to start this week on the first phase of Petersfield's new skate park, young people and children from Steep Primary School gathered last Friday to mark the beginning of the construction work.

A sod-cutting ceremony was held at the Love Lane site of the new skate bowl.

"I thought it was an excellent turnout and showed how keen many of the youngsters are for the skate park," said Nigel Wells, treasurer of the Festival for Young People which has campaigned tirelessly for the new facility.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.