Skate Jam 2017: 300 people take part in Stafford event

Youngsters on skateboards, scooters and BMXs took to the ramps at Wildwood Park, Stafford, and competed to see who could land the best tricks.

They were helped along the way by professionals from Creation Skatepark, Birmingham, who also performed a number of high-octane demonstrations.

Organiser Markus Weber, from nearby Wildwood Church, was delighted with how the day went.

He said: "The Skate Jam went really well and there was a great atmosphere.

"That was particularly between different generations and that is what I enjoy the most having previously been a youth worker in the area.

"Teenagers can get a lot of bad press but at the Skate Jam we saw them involved and adults watching them and cheering them on and also younger children being inspired by them and to do something valuable with their time."

Organisers used the event as a chance to gather views on a proposed community hub for the park which would feature a cafe and a nursery.

There was a competition to see who could perform the best tricks with three separate categories for those on skateboards, BMXs or scooters.

Adding to the atmosphere was live music and the professionals from Creation Skatepark offered tuition on how to improve the youngster's skills.

Mr Weber, aged 35, added: "For us the purpose as a church was that we believe God loves everyone and we just want to input good things into the community.

"The Skate Jam was a practical way for us of showing the kids they are loved and they are at the centre of the community, whereas often they are pushed to the side.

"People were requesting we do this again in the future. We have not planned for that yet but hopefully we can sort it out especially with the new development."

The Skate Jam was part of a series of events organised by Wildwood Church in partnership with Stafford Borough Council as they develop the community hub in the park.

The next big event will be the annual Picnic in the Park which is planned for August 5.