FANS to rollerblading were busy in the 1990s with fundraising and campaigns to get better facilities to improve their skills in using in-line skates.

The Mail, on January 15 in 1996 recorded the start of what was called a sponsored Roll and Plod race next to Ulverston canal.

It raised more than £1,000 towards the £8,000 bill for a floodlit rollerblade ramp which would be built at the Priory Road sports complex in Ulverston.

One of the organisers, Beverley Parkinson, said: "The kids were brilliant. They were all keen to raise some money for something that they'll use.

"There wasn't any trouble, there was no pushing and no-one ended up in the canal."

Dance troupe the Red Admirals served up hot dogs to the participants and the Lonsdale House Hotel free soup.

Members of Ulverston Rotary Club acted as marshals.

By March 11 The Mail was able to report on the opening of the new ramp at Ulverston Leisure Centre.

There were queues to use it right through the first weekend, said deputy leisure centre manager Dave Ronald.

Before the ramp was built, up to 20 teenage enthusiasts made use of the town's Stockbridge Lane car park.

A campaign for Ulverston facilities had been sparked off by a letter to the town hall by Lawrence Bowden, aged 14.

He wrote: "We would like a half pipe ramp, like they have in Barrow park, and perhaps we could also have little fly-offs so we can do tricks."

On April 10 in 1997 it was reported that teenage rollerblader Alex Powell, of Market Street, had written to the South Lakeland District Council seeking facilities.

His letter noted: "I would like to know if we could have a half pipe for rollerskaters to skate on.

"This will bring rollerskaters off the streets and they will come to the half pipe.

"Projects like this have worked in Ulverston and other places in Cumbria."

Youngsters in Barrow was a base for in-line skaters at the site of the proposed new Hollywood Park.

Ross Matheson, from Biggar Village, Walney wrote to Barrow mayor Margaret Martindale.

He said: "Loads of people are doing it in Barrow but we've got no facilities.

"The Americans pity us for having to be out in wet weather if we want some skating."

In January 1998 youngsters in Dalton were no having much luck in persuading councillors to back pleas for a rollerblading site.

Michael Cooke, aged 16, said: "We even told the council we would be prepared to raise money so a permanent site with a ramp could be set up but were told there was no chance of that happening."

The 25 enthusiasts had been moved on from Dowdales School and land near Dalton baths.