WEYMOUTH skate-park The Front has come a long way from a distant dream and a derelict petrol station.

The not-for-profit skate facility has just been hailed as one of the best of its kind by the Government, and is being held up as a paragon for other resources across the country.

Weymouth Skatepark Association chairman Kit Johnson said: "I was surprised but delighted when I found out.

"It's really great that our park has been picked out of the crowd. The suggestion is that people look at us for similar projects.

"I questioned the fact that they were linking the skatepark to a play area as people use the park as much more than that, it's a way of life for some of them, and it's open to all ages. But I think it's just one of those terms the Government uses to mean anything that isn't work.

"It's lovely to be recognised and I'm delighted to get attention focused on the park. It's nice for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council too as they really took a chance with the project by donating the site to us."

The skatepark came about after complaints in the late 1990s of young people skating on the sea wall and along the Esplanade.

The youths pointed out that if they had a skate park then there would be no problem as they would have somewhere to go.

Together with concerned adults they put their views to councillors and the snowball started to roll as the plan was backed from all quarters, including extreme sport stars.

A 5,000-signature petition was presented to the council in 1998, including the signatures of Nolan Sisters Anne and Maureen who were performing in Weymouth.

The council pledged their support and possible sites were drawn up, with the derelict garage in Lodmoor being offered.

Impressed with the campaign, nationally renowned skatepark designer Dave Childs offered his services in November 1999 and the project won planning approval in January 2000.

Money rolled in from Sport England, the South West Regional Development Agency, Dorset County Council and other well-wishers and building on the £350,000 development began early last year.

A name and a logo completed the park and it was opened in July last year, attracting hundreds of skaters from around the South West and beyond, and has since played host to many high profile skating and BMX events.

Kit said: "The skatepark gives people the opportunity to do the things they really want to do in an appropriate way where they won't get into trouble.

"Until we started the campaign for the park, people thought skating and BMXing was an antisocial thing but once we got the park going it changed people's views.

"There are some people who prefer skating in the streets, and there always will be, but a huge number of people come to the park; we've got 2,500 members already.

"Singling out the skatepark is terrific and we're very lucky to have it in Weymouth."

The Front was praised by the Government to launch a review to improve recreation and play areas across the country.