Boys in hoodies tearing around on tiny BMX bikes don’t usually get the best press.

And youngsters have complained for generations that there is nothing for teenagers to do in Deal but roam the streets.

A new skate park opened behind Tides in October, and reporter Beth Easton and photographer went along to see them perform.

The boys say they usually perform their stunts on the bowl, the cradle, the spine and grind rails, but until the frost clears up, they will only show off their skills on a safer track – worryingly called the death box.

A medley of flips, twists and jumps follows with BMX riders spinning into the air.

The boys say there is a community feel to the park which was funded by the Big Children’s Lottery Play Programme and local and central government grants.

See this week's East Kent Mercury for full details.