TWO YEARS of tireless fundraising by inspirational Barry mum Gaynor Taylor finally paid off on Sunday when the skate-park built in memory of her late son was officially opened.

Hundreds of people turned up to see the £90,000 Richard Taylor Memorial Skate Park at The Knap being put through its paces for the first time by local inline skaters, skateboarders and BMXers.

Champion skater Richard died on August 7, 2004 after fracturing his skull in a freak accident.

Aged just 23, he failed to regain consciousness after crashing into a lamppost near his home in Barry.

Armed with the motto "It's all good", mum Gaynor set up the Richard Taylor Fund in 2005 along with her husband John and younger son Robert, with the aim of building the new park - something Richard had campaigned for.

Sadly John died suddenly in 2006 - just two years after the death of their son.

Speaking at the park's opening, Mrs Taylor, who lives on Romilly Road with son Robert, said: "It's a combination of feelings really.

"On the one hand this is a great celebration, a celebration of the new park and of Richard's life.

"But it also feels quite poignant because neither Richard or John are here with me to enjoy it.

"I can't believe how many people have turned up though.

"And I must say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the Richard Taylor Fund.

"Whether big or small donations, everyone has helped to get us where we are today."

The Vale of Glamorgan Council also received special mention after contributing £30,000 towards the new park.

Council leader, Cllr Margaret Alexander, said: "By consulting with local skaters, Gaynor and her team really have come up with a state-of-the-art park that can be used by beginners and more advanced skaters all year round.

"There aren't a great deal of facilities like this in the Vale for young people so the council was delighted to help out."

The new design - complete with quarter-pipe, midi ramp and jump box combination - has already proved a big hit with local inline skaters, skateboarders and BMXers.

Ross Jones, 19, from Cardiff said: "It's awesome, probably the best set-up in south Wales.

"I think it'll be good because young kids will now get into skating and perhaps go on to achieve the sort of success Richard had."

* For more information about the Richard Taylor Fund visit: www.richardtaylorfund.com