IDENTICAL twin brothers are one step closer to getting a new skate park in their village after receiving a £20,000 grant.

The youngsters, along with friends from Tiptree Youth Club, appealed to their parish council in January for money to replace the old and dangerous equipment.

After six months of hard fundraising their campaign has received a mighty boost from money set aside by local developers.

As part of a Section 106 Agreement local businesses will have to contribute to the skate park fund as part of their planning permission.

Leading the campaign, 12-year-old's Brandon and Jordan Jarvis told councillors about the state of the existing park, which is nearly 20 years old.

After hearing the news of the grant, Thurstable School pupil Brandon said: "It's great that we have got this money pledged.

"It is encouraging us to keep going to raise the rest that we need for our new park."

Needing about £90,000 for the new skate park, the campaigners are now embarking on a range of fundraising events and will be applying for further funding from the National Lottery.

Sarah Bays, from the youth club, said: "It's taken some time but eventually we've managed to get things moving on the new skate park.

"We wrote to the borough council who have pledged the money.

"We're still a long way off the total amount needed but it's a great start. The money really shows the community that there's a commitment. And hopefully it will encourage more people to donate to the campaign."

The group came up with the idea to campaign for a new park after being visited by their local MP Priti Patel.

Starting a petition, the group collected more than 900 signatures which they presented to their local councillors.

Mrs Bays added: "The boys have worked really hard and have lots more fundraising ideas lined up, like a bag pack in the local Tesco.

"We really need everyone's support to get the skate park, so if anyone would like to offer their help or donate, please contact me on 07729511518."