SKATERS from near and far convened on Malmesbury Abbey today to take part in the seventh iteration of Malmesbury Abbey Skate.

The staff at the 12th century abbey welcomed the team from Nailsea–based Christian Skaters UK and young skaters from in and around Malmesbury and saw jumps and grinds galore performed in its hallowed halls.

This yearly half term activity attracts hundreds to the abbey and this time was no exception.

Recently appointed children and youth minister at the Abbey Andrew Beebee said that the event was an opportunity to make people feel welcome in the abbey and to have a good time skating as well.

He said: “We just love an opportunity to serve the community. There’s so much excitement around Abbey Skate and people come in from all around the country.

“We believe that all good things come from God. Skating is a good thing and it’s good that we have an opportunity for young people to express themselves in this way.”

One young skater, Jasper Neal, 16, said that the event had helped him through tough times when he was younger and had spurred him on to help organise the creation of Malmesbury’s own skate park.

“I’ve been coming for about six years,” he said “It has helped build  the community and we see the same faces every year.

He added: “I’ve always had skating as a passion. When I was young it was an escape and the abbey has so many links with faith. It’s just really good.”

The skating goes on until Friday night when a team of volunteers will have to remove the wooden boards put down as flooring and return 120 straw bales on loan from a local farmer before a celebratory meal in the town.

For more pictures see next week’s Standard.