DOZENS of Ryedale youngsters are in the depths of disappointment after a charity skate-boarding, roller-blading and BMX riding competition had to be called off due to council red tape.

Norton College pupils Ryan Swain, 15, and Danny Taylor, 16, had organised an activity day and contest at Ryedale Skatepark, Norton Road, Malton, to take place on Saturday to raise cash for Comic Relief.

The pair rallied all their friends to gather sponsorship for the morning event and gained support from a number of local businesses, who put up prizes for contest winners in the afternoon.

But clamps were put on the event because the park is not covered by insurance for special events.

Ryan came up with the idea for the event after Malton Mayor Ann Hopkinson visited the park. Now he and his friends have been forced to tear down all their advertising posters.

The skater's father, Paul, said: "It's a shame. Everybody gave it their backing and said go ahead.

"One moment it was on and my lad was putting up posters, and collecting sponsor money in, and then he was told to take them down because it was off.

"He's been getting a lot of flak off the kids about it. My lad's gutted.

"Why it can't go ahead when they're only going to be roller blading, BMX riding and skating as they do every day, I just don't know. It's just a disaster."

He praised the actions of Malton district councillor Steven Preston, who consulted the Ryedale District Council's legal team to try to find a solution to the problem.

Red Nose Day takes place on Friday, backed by a host of celebrities, including supermodel Jodie Kidd, BBC Radio One DJ Chris Moyles and the cast of hit comedy Little Britain.

Updated: 10:18 Monday, March 07, 2005