EXETER'S skating fraternity packed a city skate park to show off their skills as part of the fifth Exe Games.

Skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX riders descended on Flowerpot Playing Field to put those hours of practice to the test and try to win prizes for the best tricks.

The skatepark at Flowerpots, as it is known, is one of four across the city, making Exeter a hotspot for the county's skating community.

The competition was organised by Tim Ruck, from the city's Boarding House skate shop on Fore Street in collaboration with Exeter City Council.

This year a new 'best trick' format was used, which saw one part of the park chosen, such as a ramp or a grind bar, and groups of skaters or bikers share a 20-minute time slot to perform their tricks on that one piece of equipment. The competition then moved around the park so that every ramp and rail was used.

This, said Mr Ruck, made the event flow much better.

He said: “It is the first year we have tried it this way but it seems to be working well. The in-line skaters, skateboarders and BMX riders have 20 minutes on one piece of equipment.

“It makes it easier to decide who has done the best trick and then at the end of the time period we give prizes for first, second and third place.”

He added: “The event is great as there is a wide range of ages here, anywhere from 10 years up to 30 years or older and we had a great turnout despite the overcast weather.

“It is a great event and we hold it once a year. We don't promote it much on purpose, so as to keep it a local event.

“Most of the skaters here are from Exeter but there are people from around the rest of the county too.

“The Boarding House has been running since 1984 and I have been there since 1997 so I know most of the Exeter skaters and BMX riders.”

Jamie Skinner, 20, from Exeter, stood out in one of the BMX events and won first place.

He said: “I have been BMX'ing for about five to six years. It feels great to win and I really enjoy competitions like this. I think we should do it more often, more tournaments like this would be a great thing.

“It is also great to see a good turnout here too.”

Crystal Carter, Exeter City Council parks spokeswoman, said: “It was great to see so many people out there competing. Everyone has had a lot of fun.

“I think things like skateboarding can have a bad reputation but it is not warranted. This is the fifth time the Exe Games has been held and it is a great event.”

The day also saw professional demonstrations from the Boarding House and music throughout the day was provided by DJs from the Cavern Club.