A SKATEBOARDING competition is set to take place in Barrow next month.

‘Battle in Barrowdise’ will take place on December 8 from 6pm til late at indoor skatepark Urban Extreme with an entry fee of £10.

Kieran McDonnell, 32, the event organiser, said: “The idea behind the event is to promote skateboarding and the benefits of it - especially with it entering the Olympics next year.

“I want to build a community and push the positive effect that skateboarding has on people's lives.

“This event is a jam style competition for all ages and abilities.

“It’s more of a relaxed competition where even just trying something out of your comfort zone could win you a prize.

“It is all about the love of skateboarding and what it can provide.

“I’m lucky to have put on loads of events in the past and now I live in Barrow I would like to carry that on and put Barrow on the map."

He said he wanted to build a skateboard community for the people of Barrow.

“The past events have all been similar - based around having a good time and not being so serious as it helps builds up kids and adults that aren’t as good," he said.

“The relaxed environment goes with the idea behind this event.

“I want to build a skateboard community as people see it as an anti-social sport but it helps kids with depression, broken homes and people who are just lost.

“It’s like an escape and especially with this now entering the olympics next year I want to start doing skate schools and pushing the sport. You never know the next Olympic gold medalist could be from Barrow?

“This is a goal for the new year - I want to plan a meeting with the council and push this sport as it’s changed my life and it could change others.

“I’ve been skating since I was 15 and I’m now 32. I’ve won a couple of local competitions.”

Brands like Huf, Rip n Dip, Loven Skate and Death Skateboards are sponsoring the event, as well as local companies TnT Records, Decked Outlet and Grilla Cheese.