HALF-PIPE heaven has hit Torfaen - and skater boys and girls have given it their thumbs-up.

The new £60,000 skate park outside Pontypool Leisure Centre won't be officially opened until next month, but was completed and became available for use a fortnight ago.

And the region's teenagers have voted with their feet and skateboards by packing out the park every evening and weekend.

Council projects manager Steve Groucott said: "Once the skate park was all there there didn't seem any point in locking it.

"The equipment itself cost £38,000 so, with the construction, the total cost was roughly £60,000.

"It's taken a very long time to put together. The groundwork started back in the summer holidays.

"The only thing we're waiting for are outdoor lights so it can be used more safely at night, but it's already a big hit."

Councillor Glyn Caron, executive member for leisure, said: "If this skate park is as successful as the one by Llanyrafon boating lake it will be a great facility for the Pontypool area.

"Skateboarding is a really popular way for young people to keep fit and spend their leisure time so I'm really pleased to see this park open."