SKATEBOARDERS, bladers and BMXers turned out in force for the first-ever competition at Alton's newest skate park. A crowd began to gather next to Anstey skate park as the event got into full swing last Thursday with competitors demonstrating a variety of skills on the equipment. Town centre skate shop Fishbrain teamed up with Alton Town Council to host the event, the BMX section was also sponsored by 1st Gear Cycles. Among the prize winning performances were Ollie Scott's kick flip five-0 on the small grind box, followed by an air to frontside disaster on the small quarter, and Mike Halls massive frontside kick flip over the hip - which drew a huge cheer and applause from the spectators. Mark Galliver, owner of Fishbrain, said: "The atmosphere here throughout the afternoon has been fantastic. Although I would like to have seen more BMX and rollerblading competitors, the skateboarders certainly showed that their sport is as popular as ever by turning out in force. "Now with two skate parks and both 1st Gear Cycles and Fishbrain selling BMX, skateboarding and rollerblading product between them, the support for these sports in Alton is the best around." Alton Lions Club has been thanked for donating a deck to the over 16s skateboard winner. The results were as follows: Under 14s skateboard 1st Max Tomlinson, 2nd Sam Ridgers, 3rd Daewon Dong. Under 16s skateboard 1st Joe Sloan, 2nd Nick Hall, 3rd Mike Thurston. Over 16s Skateboard 1st Ollie Scott, 2nd Dennis Finders, 3rd Mike Halls. Under 16s Blading 1st Lewis Stanistreet, 2nd Kirk Stevens Over 16s Blading 1st Kieran McKay, 2nd Owen Jowett, 3rd Kurt Phillips.