The Haverfordwest Skatepark Association (HSA) is "absolutely over the moon" following a massive cash injection from the Big Lottery fund.

For the last few years members have been pushing hard for a skateboarding, skating and biking facility in the town and this has finally paid off with the presentation of a cheque for £437, 312.

Top of the range plans, designed for free by Maverick, which specialise in skateparks, were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council last year but sport enthusiasts will have to wait a bit longer as building at Picton Playing Fields won't start until after the winter.

HSA chairman Simon Griffiths told the Western Telegraph: "We are very pleased and everybody's really excited. It's brought it home I think, people were still quite dubious that it would ever happen.

"We're hoping to get started early next year and hopefully it will be ready for the summer."

HSA secretary Alison Turner added that the group were "absolutely over the moon."

The HSA has worked closely with the Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Police team, County Council Community Regeneration, sport development, and Youth Services, Pembrokeshire Action for Voluntary Services and many local businesses and individuals have supported the HSA both financially and by offering their skills and service.

Significant financial donations from Valero, Narberth Skate Group, Bridge Meadow Trustees, Dragon LNG, Western Power Distribution and County Sports gave the HSA financial credibility to secure the remaining funds needed from the Big Lottery Fund.

The money from the Big Lottery Fund People and Places fund will cover all build and legal costs as well as contingency money for continued upkeep and skills training for local people.

County Councillor Tom Tudor who had been supporting the campaign said the HSA was set up to pursue the dream of a skatepark in the town.

"Despite numerous disappointments, eventually the hard work and dedication of all concerned has finally come to fruition with this lottery money. This is definitely great news for Haverfordwest, and of course great news for Pembrokeshire and west Wales.”

Director of Maverick Sue Mitchener added: "We are equally excited about the news that the HSA have obtained their lottery funding for the skatepark - we've worked very closely with the group and have been very impressed by the high level of commitment and dedication shown by Geraint Williams, Alison Turner and the group to reach this goal. They really are an inspiration and we shall be using this project as a great example for other community groups to follow.

"Haverfordwest skatepark was designed by Maverick's Russ Holbert following a number of consultation meetings with local skaters and riders.

It's a competition standard facility which will undoubtedly attract skateboarders from all over the UK and abroad.

"The group worked very closely with Maverick on the design of the project to ensure local riders needs were met.

"Haverfordwest will be a landmark skatepark facility for the UK and we're looking forward to starting the build early next year."