SKATERS showed off their tricks and stunts at an annual event hosted by a Town Council to bring youth together in a positive way.

The Skate Park Jam hosted by Harwich Town Council and Team Rubicon took place at Dovercourt Swimming Pool on Sunday, July 24.

The event had live music, jam competitions with wonderful prizes, and an overall great atmosphere that saw participants express themselves.

Gazette: COOL STUNTS: A youngster shows off his scooter moves.COOL STUNTS: A youngster shows off his scooter moves.

Harwich Mayoress Jo Henderson was one of the key figures in spearheading the Skate Park Jam which first launched in 2018, and was pleased to see the event return.

She said: “Once we got our nice skate park in place we spoke about it as a council, Maverick built the park for us and its lovely to see young people encouraging each other at the events.

“Skate parks do have good followings so we had a lot of visitors which was good, and on a personal level the park is close to my heart.

Gazette: HIGH FLYING: A rider flies high during the skate jam.HIGH FLYING: A rider flies high during the skate jam.

“I would like to reiterate how great the young attendees were on the day, they are a credit to their parents and a credit to our town.”

The first jam was in 2018 and it returned the following year but had to be postponed in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.

Councillor Henderson added: “When I was first elected as ward councillor, we met with a group of young people just finishing high school.

Gazette: Getting Ready - A group of skaters prepares to show off their tricks at the jam.Getting Ready - A group of skaters prepares to show off their tricks at the jam.

“They really wanted a new skate park because the old one was coming to the end of its life span so we got started on it.

“It took about six years to gain the funding, as you can imagine its very hard to raise £220,000, the Town Council put a big chunk in and the National Lottery and Sport England also helped out.”

On the day there were several competitions for skaters, BMX riders and scooter riders to enjoy in different age categories so everyone got to take part in the fun.

Gazette: TOTAL CONCENTRATION: Skateboarder in action.TOTAL CONCENTRATION: Skateboarder in action.

Prizes were given out including t shirts and skateboard decks with wonderful designs.

For more information on the skate park visit maverickskateparks.co.uk/harwich.