WINCHESTER City Council is training people to become ‘skate ambassadors’ at a recently refurbished park.

The voluntary role includes making the skate park, off Gordon Road, a friendly place and discouraging anti-social behaviour, a council spokesman said.

It started last June, when designs of the new park were being drawn up, and was properly brought in from the park’s launch in October this year.

Four people are already trained, with nine in the process.

A council spokesman said: “Being a ranger is basically about being a good role model for the park and promoting the type of behaviour we want to see. They also have access to a cupboard of useful equipment to help them look after the park such as removing litter and leaves.

“We want to create pride in the park and a safe welcoming friendly atmosphere and they help us achieve this. They can talk to young users about the park and awareness of other users and if there is an accident they know how to request first aid assistance.

“They do not get into confrontational situations and they do not teach. We are currently arranging wrist bands to make them distinctive.”

There will be a training day for ambassadors on Saturday, December 6, at 10am at the council offices.

To get involved email slord@winchester.gov.uk.