YOUNGSTERS got on their scooters and donned their skates to take part in the first ever competition hosted at Canvey’s skate park.

Youngsters, some as young as 15, performed impressive stunts, including backflips, on their scooters as they took part in the contest hosted at the park on the Waterside Farm leisure complex in Somnes Avenue.

Hundreds of people gathered to watch scooter riders and skaters compete for goodies including T-shirts, hoodies and other prizes at Canvey Jam event.

A barbecue and inflatables were among the other attractions on offer for families to enjoy at the action-packed event on Saturday.

The competition celebrated the final set of skate ramps being installed at the facility, which officially opened last year and is the largest skate park of its kind in Essex.

Speaking at the contest, Canvey councillor Ray Howard, who was among those enjoying the races and making the most of the sunshine, said: “If anyone wants to see evidence of people enjoying themselves, it is there today.

“This skate park is the result of a really good partnership between all those involved and I would like to give credit to them.”

The £226,000 skate park was mostly funded by Veolia Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust, with contributions from Essex County Council, Castle Point Council and Canvey Town Council.

Benfleet-based youth group Legacy XS provides youth workers to staff the Legacy Cafe where youngsters can train for an NVQ in catering.

Steve Lodge, from Legacy Cafe, added: “It’s has been absolutely brilliant and everyone’s had a really good day.”