Callum Holland, 16, jumps for joy, literally, in front of other extreme sports enthusiasts and Culture and Leisure minister Deputy Mike O’Hara. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0889872)

CHRISTMAS has come early for Guernsey’s skateboarders and BMX riders.

Permission has finally been granted to construct a skate park in the island – and the Guernsey X-Treme Sports Association is thrilled by the news.

Association chairman Mike O’Hara said plans for the facility had involved long talks between the Environment Department and experts in the field leading to the approved site at Beau Sejour.

‘I am absolutely delighted that at long last we have something positive for all those youngsters who have waited so patiently to gain a skate park that they desperately want,’ he said.

Deputy O’Hara said that the help the association had from officers at Environment and the Environmental Health inspectors had been invaluable and appreciated.

He said work would begin to develop full details for the park – which will be where the current children’s play area is – and raise the money to build it, an estimated £200,000.