THERE were thrills, spills and tumbles a plenty at the third Andy Marsh Memorial Skate Festival in Ringwood wheelpark.

About 150 young competitors on BMX bikes, in-line skates and skateboards took part in the event in Carvers Sports Ground.

The ramps, pipes, half pipes and grind rails provided by the town council came in for a real hammering as the lads spun, leapt and bounced their mounts throughout the day. Blader Chris Lawrence, 21, from Fordingbridge reckoned it was a cutting edge event. "It's been going for three years now and there's a good turnout and it's got competitions. It's real good fun," he said.

Town councillor Norman Light said: "It's good. The youngsters are enjoying themselves."

The festival is in memory of Andy Marsh who died of meningitis at the age of 17.