CHILDREN and teenagers with disabilities are enjoying their own sessions at Rush Skatepark, thanks to the Stroud-based charity Allsorts.

In their wheelchairs, on bicycles, skateboards and scooters, the children are thriving on the thrills of one of Europe's best skate parks - and loving every minute of it.

“Due to their disability or learning difficulties these children and teenagers would never ordinarily be able to enjoy something like this,” said Max Pemberton, sports and activities leader for the charity.

“It would be too noisy and just too dangerous when it is full of skaters and boarders. When we first started the sessions the kids were a bit cautious but they have grown in confidence and now are real speed demons.”

One such youngster is 10-year-old Dylan Nobes from Stonehouse who takes to the skateboard ramps in his wheelchair. He has quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

“Dylan’s an absolute thrill seeker which is why he loves going to Rush Skatepark,” said his mum Bev Bishop.

“As he can’t skate he gets pushed around in his wheelchair and he’s always up for going on the highest ramps.

“It means so much for him to go there with his friends and be included in an activity he would never normally be able to do.”

Mum Colleen Harris-Stinton said for her son Harrison Reed the Rush sessions were his chance to be like his friends.

The nine-year-old from Churchdown goes to mainstream school.

“It’s great for Harrison to be able to let loose and enjoy that sense of freedom,” said Colleen.

“He has been able to say to his friends at school ‘I went to Rush’ and that is so important to his self-esteem.”

The sessions, which run on Mondays from 6pm, have been funded by Stroud District Council until the end of October.

The charity hopes to get more funding to continue the sessions.

Allsorts supports families across Gloucestershire who have children with disabilities and additional needs, providing youth clubs, family trips, inclusive sports, specialist equipment and much more.

Rush Skatepark is the first indoor skatepark in Gloucestershire and offers a 40000 sqft, fully open plan setup to suit all kinds of riding styles.