A SKATEBOARD park could be a living memorial to a 13-year-old city youngster who tragically died from a rare leukaemia strain.

The family of Kyle Salmon hope to keep his spirit alive by building the much-needed facility in St Peter's.

Sports-mad Kyle died within a week of being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia, in May.

Since then, donations have flooded into a fund set up in his memory.

Around £1,200 was pledged after Kyle's mum Vanessa asked for contributions to be made to his youth club Angels in Exile, in Lower Wick.

But the family, who live in Kempsey, believe around £30,000 to £50,000 is needed for the skate park, and they plan to continue fund-raising to make sure Kyle's friends have somewhere to play and practise.

After attending a meeting of St Peter's Parish Council this week with husband Mark and daughter Charlotte, to discuss the project, she is optimistic the idea has moved one step closer.

"We've had money from families and friends, businesses have had whip rounds, so everyone has really been behind this idea," she said.

"Kyle spent a lot of his spare time at Angels in Exile, and the team wants to back our idea of building a skate park and to dedicate it to him.

"The aim is to create something for the children around this area to enjoy, because there is a real shortage of facilities."

During Monday's meeting, chairman Roger Knight discussed the possibility of a site by the electricity sub station near to Broomhall Way, in St Peter's, but was concerned about the nearby busy road.

The Rev Simon Douglas, a youth worker with Angels in Exile, said Worcester City Council wanted the youth group to work with the parish council's wishes.

The parish council agreed to support the idea in principle, but is arranging a meeting with the city council to seek further advice from officers. Angels in Exile in Canada Way, currently provide portable ramps for skateboarders.

Mrs Salmon said a ramp in Kyle's name was another possibility, depending on the money raised.

Anyone interested in backing the project can make cheques payable to Angels in Exile, 61 Canada Way, Lower Wick, Worcester, WR2 4XA