Songs of Praise presenter David Grant was one of hundreds of skateboarders making the most of Malmesbury Abbey’s transformation into a skatepark at the launch of the event yesterday.

This is the seventh year that the 12th century former Benedictine Abbey has held the event and the BBC show’s cameras were there to film all the activity on the first day, which included a skateboarding lesson for the presenter.

The skatepark is a collaboration between the abbey’s congregation and the Nailsea-based Christian Skaters UK organisation.

Tristan Cork, who is helping out at the event, said: “All of the sessions are almost fully booked. It’s been really popular, especially for the under-eights.

“It’s been great, there’s a real buzz about the place. There’s been a great turnout of kids and their parents have stayed to watch.

“We’ve had the biggest contingency of skaters from Christian Skaters UK this year which has been great.

“People have come from Scotland because they’ve seen it on Facebook and thought as they’re on holiday this week they’ll come and give it a try, and we’ve had families from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Bristol.

Since its formation in 2009, Abbey Skate has become one of the west country’s most popular youth events.

Organisers expect about 600 young people will test the ramps, quarter pipes, grinding rails and trick boxes.

The organiser this year is the curate of Malmesbury Abbey, Rev John Monaghan.

He said: “This year’s Abbey Skate is our seventh, and a tribute to the commitment of so many volunteers, inspired to serve the local community, and to show God’s love and hospitality to everyone who comes through the abbey’s door.

“It’s an action-packed three days, with age-appropriate skate and scoot sessions for people of all abilities.”

The event, from 10am to 9.30pm, finishes tomorrow (20), with a competition and live music from Wiltshire singer-songwriter Emily McGrory.

For more information or to book a session, visit www.malmesburyabbey.com/skate