In a sport where slipping and sliding is part of the fun, a bit of rain could not take the edge off the opening of Devizes Skate Park.

Around 50 young people and their families turned out for the opening of the long-awaited park at Green Lane on Saturday morning.

Among those gathered were Steve and Jackie Dodds, the parents of skateboard enthusiast Harry Dodds, who died aged 15 in May 2012 of brain cancer.

One of the slopes was dedicated to Harry’s memory after Angus, the 15-year-old son of Wiltshire councillor Laura Mayes, came up with the idea.

Coun Mayes said: “I was talking at home about how sad it was that Harry would not be able to use the skate park and Angus came up with idea of dedicating one of the runs to him. The plaque will be a permanent reminder of Harry’s short life.”

Coun Mayes, who carried out the official opening alongside Devizes Mayor Sarah Bridewell, said she felt emotional when the park was finally opened. It has been 12 years since the last outdoor park, in Hillworth Park, was closed.

She said: “Thanks must really go to all of those who have been on board since the beginning, including councillors who are no longer serving, those who are no longer with us but especially the parents and families that have persevered and petitioned over the years. They are the ones who made this happen."

Mum Sue Huzzey, who campaigned for years for the skate park, said: “I am thrilled that after over eight years of personally campaigning for a skatepark, one was finally opened last Saturday.”

She said her son Christopher, 18, and several of his friends, including Jack Morris, 21, Aaron Marlow, 19, Sam Warnock, 19, and Daniel Rees Morris, 19, had all worked with the council and designers to produce the park.

She said: “I think we have a brilliant end result, more than I could have wished for. I hope it will be well used.”

Coun Mayes said: “It just shows what can be done when people are really determined. Wiltshire Council, Devizes Town Council, Roundway Parish Council and the Devizes Area Board all worked with young people to create a fantastic park.”

The poor weather meant that experts from Two Bit Skate Co could not perform but later in the morning, as the rain receded, youngsters on boards, bikes and scooters took to the slopes.