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Skaters are being invited to show off their skills at Woodley Carnival.

Entrants will face X Factor-style auditions before a crowd and judges on Saturday, June 9.

The skate-off will take place in the Memorial Ground skate park in Headley Road.

PC Peter Cassells said: “It’s a great chance for them to enjoy themselves.

“The skate park has been very popular since it opened in September. We are hoping over 50 kids will enter.”

Competitors will be given two- minute runs in the early afternoon to impress judges with their tricks.

The best will be invited back to compete in a final later in the day.

The competition will be divided into three categories – bikes, skateboards, and anything else (such as scooters and roller skates).

First, second and third in each category will be awarded trophies and everyone who takes part will receive a medal.

The skate-off has been organised with help from Thames Valley Police, Wokingham Borough Council, Woodley Town Council and the Woodley Carnival Committee.

“It’s something we’ve been trying to organise for the last six months,” said PC Cassells.

“We got told at meetings that the kids felt we did nothing for them.

“We discussed ways to show we listen to what they say and through work with youth agencies we have come up with this idea. We hope it will become an annual part of the carnival.”

Competitors must register to take part by May 23 and will gain free access to the carnival. Some places will be available on the day.

Application forms can be collected from reception at Bulmershe School, Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Waingels College and The Oakwood Centre.

The carnival will have an Olympics and Diamond Jubilee theme.

There will be free attractions, charity stalls, a funfair and live band, with ABBA tribute show Platinum the headline act.

Advance tickets save up to 25 per cent on carnival day prices. See www.woodleycarnival.org.uk