YOUNG artists are needed to add a splash of colour to Evesham's new skate park, which will be officially opened within a fortnight.

Enthusiastic youngsters are already flocking to the newly-completed facility, which has been built near the rowing club on Crown Meadow at a cost of about £80,000.

The park features a two-metre half-pipe and a 'street course'. The area around the equipment will include a new car park and landscaped areas with benches and bins. CCTV equipment is also being installed to keep the site under 24-hour surveillance.

Jem Teal, Wychavon District Council's youth and sport development officer, is now looking for Evesham youngsters to put the finishing touches to the park. "We are looking for talented young people to paint graffiti art on the equipment," he said. "We will need to see examples of their artwork to make sure it is of a suitable standard."

He added that the park was already being well used. "I went to the park one afternoon this week to see how it was coming along and there were about 40 skaters using it. They told me they thought it was great and that they couldn't wait for the official opening."

The equipment is constructed from special concrete that is almost indestructible and helps to minimise noise and vibration. Wychavon is now planning to use the design of the park for a similar project in Pershore.

The park, which has taken about four months to build, is due to be officially opened on July 10. Any youngsters interested in painting designs on the equipment should contact Jem Teal at Wychavon by calling 01386 565000.