BRIDPORT'S indoor skate park has celebrated its first birthday following a year of lockdowns and uncertainties.

The 2020 Skate and Ride facility in Gore Cross opened on August 1, 2020 offering a weekly timetable for skateboarders, BMXers, roller skaters and scooter riders.

The team took over the running of the building in early 2020, with construction beginning in February but the start of the pandemic led to a delay to its opening date.

Robert Ridge, who runs the skate park, said: "We've managed to complete a year, which we're all very proud of. It's been a very difficult year to take something like this on but we've been able to do it.

"Looking back over that period of time at times I wonder how we managed it.

"We received the keys in February and were ready to construct the premises but we had no idea of what was just around the corner. We were hoping to be open in a couple of months."

As a result of the first lockdown, it ended up being six months until the skate park was able to open in August, before having to endure two more lockdowns, opening once again in late April the following year.

Mr Ridge added: "I think when we opened up in August last year we were hoping we were out of the woods and up and running.

"We were able to gather momentum but then unfortunately that came to a quick stop.

"It was a shame to be locked down for the winter months as being an indoor facility that's when we expected to be at our busiest."

The facility was able to reopen from Saturday, April 24 - subject to restrictions at the time - and has built up a steady following over the summer months.

The team request that those wishing to use the facility book in advance but if there are spaces available people are welcome to walk in.

The park's first birthday was celebrated at the park with free tea, coffee, slushies and cake to those who came to join the celebrations.

Mr Ridge said: "The birthday celebrations were really good fun, it was well attended and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

"Feedback has been very good, people are saying we've made the best of the space we have. People seem to really enjoy it and we have some pretty driven regulars now who are down here all the time."

The park is open from Monday to Saturday weekly. For more information, visit the 2020 Skate & Ride Bookings on Facebook.