GALLERY Flips, grinds, scratching and street art took centre stage at a special weekend event organised to give young people the chance to showcase their talents.

James Mortlock

FLIPS, grinds, scratching and street art took centre stage at a special weekend event organised to give young people the chance to showcase their talents.

Skate Jam 2008, held at the skate park in Olding Road, Bury St Edmunds, attracted hundreds of youngsters from Suffolk and across the region - both to take part in the various activities and to marvel at the skills on show.

The St Edmundsbury Borough Council event follows a hugely successful skate jam in the town last year, which brought more than 500 young people together.

The council, along with the event's main sponsors - Bury store Hardcore Hobbies - also recruited graffiti artists to create new murals and drafted in DJs and professional dance tutors to lead break dancing sessions.

Meanwhile, on the ramps of the skate park itself, prizes were handed to the best skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX riders.

Sarah Mildmay-White, the council's portfolio holder for community, said the free event gave the borough's young people an excellent opportunity to try new things and show off their existing talents: “We are delighted to be able to host this event which caters for the needs of our younger residents and combines fun with active exercise.”

Jamie Guy, of BMX and skateboard specialists Hardcore Hobbies, said one of the best aspects of the event was that it gave young people with no experience of the various activities the chance to have a go.