KID POWER is being harnessed by youngsters who want a piece of a York park to call their own.

Two ten-year-olds have raised a 100-name petition among their friends for a part of Butcher Terrace Field, in Rowntree Park, to be used as a mountain bike trial zone, and a skatepark.

Their direct-action approach has been praised by councillors, who have promised to take their views into account.

City of York Council is in consultation with a number of organisations and residents about plans for Rowntree Park, which is being developed with a £1.3 million lottery grant.

One of the suggestions for new facilities is a themed fun trail for younger children. But ten-year-old friends Garry Rookes and James Elliott, have written to the council putting forward an alternative suggestion.

Garry said: "We'd like a skate park, so we're not on the road messing about and stopping cars. We do get into trouble because it makes loads of noise and people come out and tell us to go somewhere else, but the nearest place is Hull. There's a field near us which nobody really uses and it's well out of the way of houses."

Ward councillor Bob Fletcher said: "One would always want to react positively to this sort of initiative by young people.

"Clearly the proposals for that end of Rowntree Park are not totally nailed down, so it's something which would be discussed. We've got to look at the needs of all the people in that park, but clearly we would wish to commend them on their action."

Dave Meigh, head of purchasing and resources for City of York Council, said: "We haven't come to a conclusion one way or the other about this suggestion from the children.

"The council always welcomes comments and advice, so I am pleased they got in touch. The designs for Butcher Terrace Field are evolving. We are working with the Friends of Rowntree Park and we have been testing ideas out with them for a variety of options."

He said he hoped to have plans finalised in about a year's time.