Art in the park

YOUNG skaters and artists turned out in force at South Molton skate park to get creative on Saturday. The "Paint da Park Graffiti Jam" gave almost 50 young people the chance to work with professional artists to transform the facility at Central Park with bright, vibrant and visually stunning artwork.Organised by Devon Youth Service, Safer North Devon, MA2K and local skate shop Beats Workin', the all-day event featured a series of spray painting workshops where youngsters could practice their skills on boards donated by timer merchant Jewsons, before transferring them to the ramps and surrounding buildings under the guidance of professionals."The primary aim of the event was to cover up the offensive and unpleasant graffiti that had developed on the park and surrounding public buildings during recent months," police architectural liaison officer John Knowles, told the Gazette."Getting young people involved with professional graffiti artists that they look up to will hopefully encourage them to have some pride in their own environment and take responsibility for it."The street art is quite startling and visually pleasing," he added."It is in quite an isolated area used by young people so hopefully they will look after and respect it.