A campaign is underway for a new outdoor skate park in Oakham.

Founder Jon Dixon met with a member of Oakham Town Council yesterday, an event he described on Facebook as very informative and interesting.

He also said about the meeting; "Not specifically about the skate park (although that was certainly discussed) but more generally about facilities for teenagers and how things need to be improved for all our kids.

"Just hearing that acknowledgment was a great step forward."

To date, more than 80 people have joined the Oakham Skate Park Project Facebook group since it began at the start of the month.

Jon said on Facebook: "I'm blown away by everyone's support and also the amount of very useful information the group has generated. Please keep spreading the word and keep contributing in any way you can."

He also told Nub News: "The Oakham Skate Park Project is a Facebook group set up to campaign for a new outdoor skate park in Oakham. We welcome anyone and everyone to join and be part of the process. We welcome views both for and against and are open to discuss all ideas and points of view.

"We are currently in active discussions with Oakham Town Council and Rutland County Council as well as skatepark professionals and of course skaters of all ages and abilities."

The current skate park in Cutts Close Park has been long criticised by skateboarders since it opened some years ago, with it coming it at number 2 in a list of worst skate parks.

An original skate park was built in 2007 for £25,000, with a rebuild in 2015 featuring metal ramps costing £40,000, plus VAT.