CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a cash-strapped rollerskating rink from closure have been overwhelmed by support from the community.

The attraction, in Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, was hit by crippling charges after a youngster broke his ankle and sued.

Insurance costs soared from £2,800 to £12,000.

The rink desperately needs £1,000 to stay afloat, so youngsters and parents staged a sponsored skate to raise the money.

Organiser Andrea King said: “We are just trying to raise as much as we can to keep it open.

“A lot of people have donated cash and hopefully by the time we have all the sponsorship money in we will have £600.”

Andrea’s daughter Taylor, nine, has weekly skating lessons at the rink, which was built in 1947.

It was reopened by the Buffaloes charity in 2011 after being closed for five years.

Andrea put her skates on for the first time in almost 30 years for the fundraiser.

She said: “I hadn’t skated since I was 14 – and I’m 42 now – but it still hurts when you fall over!”

She feels the rink is vital for Doverourt.

“It’s heaving in the summer – no one wants to see it close down,”

said Andrea, who staged the event with instructor Alison Tulley.

“It would be devastating if it closed. It keeps kids off the streets and it’s a cheap day out because it’s only £4 to stay all day.”

“Hopefully we are going to smash our targe