SKATERS and BMX riders of all ages enjoyed some fun in the sun as take two of the Dorchester Skate Jam proved a resounding success.

The event had to be postponed in April due to adverse weather but organisers could not have wished for a more perfect day as they celebrated five years of the skatepark.

Riders and skaters of all ages and abilities were encouraged to enjoy themselves on the skate park ramps and jumps while leading industry brands set up stalls with prizes and giveaways up for grabs and live music sounded out across the venue.

Secretary of the skatepark committee Mark Noble, who runs Deluxe BMX, said the glorious sunshine on the day fully vindicated the decision to postpone the event in April.

He said: “The weather is great, it was definitely the right decision to put it back to June.

“It’s been a pretty good turn out.”

For the first time the annual Skate Jam event also served as an official qualifier for the NASS action sports and music festival, a major event held in Somerset.

Mr Noble said that may have attracted some more people from further afield but the day was mainly about giving local people a chance to enjoy what the skatepark has to offer.

He said: “We welcome all abilities and ages, it’s not exclusive.”

Sponsored BMX riders and skaters showed off their skills while there were various competitions for different age groups.

The Skate Jam was supported by various organisations including West Dorset District Council and Dorchester Town Council.

Community development officer for the district council Emma Scott said it was not just youngsters taking advantage of the event but older skaters as well were getting their boards back out and getting involved.

She said: “We have got all sorts of ages, we have even got quite a few older skaters who have returned.

“It’s still a sport that’s really vibrant and popular.”

A team from Maverick, the company that designed the skatepark, also came along for the event and brought some slacklines for people to try out the sport of slacklining.