A group of young refugees were invited to enjoy the new multi-story skate park in Folkestone before the venue’s official opening today.

Folkestone 51 (F51) worked with Kent Refugee Action Network to allow a group of refugees from Syria, Iran and Afghanistan exclusive access to their new facilities.

The group had never tried skateboarding before, so were given protective gear and shown the basics by the skate park’s coaches.

After a few tumbles, the refugees quickly gained their confidence and enjoyed two hours of skateboarding and got to watch some skills demonstrated by the coaches.

Osama from Syria said: "I enjoyed this very much. It makes me happy to try new things. I would like to come back soon!"

The group then enjoyed a tour of F51, which offers the world’s first suspended concrete skating, bowls, the tallest climbing wall in the south east and three dedicated skatepark floors.

Hannah Prizeman from F51 said: “We had an incredible time welcoming Kent Refugee Action Network to our new venue.

“Joining us for an introduction to skateboarding, our team were blown away by the group's enthusiasm and determination."

She added: "Falling is a natural part of skateboarding, for even the most experienced of skaters. The young people picked themselves up time and time again, jumping straight back on the board with smiles on their faces.”

Bridget Chapman from Kent Refugee Action Network said: "It was fantastic to see these young people being given the opportunity to try this incredible facility out before it even opens.

"Opening access to sport is so important for developing confidence and we hope to have the opportunity to bring more young people to visit in the future.”

The £17 million project has been beset by challenges, as the complexity of the build and the impact of Brexit and the pandemic caused the opening date to slip back.

A number of celebrities have backed the project, with American rapper MC Hammer, most famous for the 1990 hit single 'U Can't Touch This', tweeting his support for the plans back in 2015.

The bowl floor, located on the first level, features two suspended concrete bowls, while on the two upper floors the street and flow floors are designed for both beginners and experienced skaters to practice street and transition skating.

A boxing gym will be home to the Folkestone Amateur Boxing Club.

Dan Hulme, chief executive of centre operators The Sports Trust, said: "As a charity that has been working in Folkestone for over eight years to create inclusive and inspiring environments for people to love sport, we are confident that F51 will bring enviable opportunities and experiences to local people for generations to come."