A Dover woman suffering from terminal cancer has made it her last pledge to deliver a skate park for children to use.

Geraldine Aldridge, 66, of Queen’s Avenue, wants a small-scale park to be built next to the Elms Vale recreation ground, catering for all ages.

She is a professional poet and story-teller and has spent her career entertaining and educating young people in schools.

Ms Aldridge, a mother-of-one, said: “I have no idea how long these sort of things take.

“But I have seen children skating on the pavement.

“It would be really nice if it could done this year – it would be lovely to see it.”

'It would be really nice if it could done this year – it would be lovely to see it.' - Ms Aldridge

The motivation behind the initiative is to provide a place that is safe and off the streets for youths to hang out.

Cllr Peter Wallace has given the idea his backing – but it will be nearby residents who will be consulted before anything is decided.

He said: “I think Mrs Aldridge has hit the nail on the head.

“We need more, exciting facilities for young people in Dover, and they don’t have to be centralised in the town centre.

“The idea of having a skate park seems very popular with teenagers and young adults, and "I know many parents are concerned there isn’t anything fun for kids to do outdoors in the area. A skate park would be a real boost.

“When I speak to people in the ward it is always the most popular idea with children, so I would like the council and private sector to seize the initiative and build one as soon as possible.”

'I would like the council and private sector to seize the initiative and build one as soon as possible.' - Cllr Wallace

Newly elected Cllr Andrew Richardson, who also covers the ward, said: “I’m hoping this is a cause we can all work together on, irrespective of party.”

Ms Aldridge has been undergoing chemotherapy for the last year, to shrink cancer cells in the oesophagus.

Although she will not be able to go out and physically collect signatures in a petition, she hopes the community and schools will support her.

“It makes you value everything much more,” she said.

“It makes you want to make sure that everything is safe and well.”

Having moved from London to Dover in 1970, Ms Aldridge said she loves the town, its nature and its history, and wants to provide a place for children to call their own.

“Everyone around here is delightful,” she said.

“With regards to the skate park it will leave them something to remember me by.”