A SECOND night of music and fun in Melksham next Friday will bring the town's skate park a step closer.

On July 18 the second skatepark fundraising gig kicks off at the town's Assembly Hall.

Fundraisers started campaigning two years ago and hope the second of four gigs planned will move them closer to the target of £75,000 they only have £15,000 to go.

Plans for the new skate park have received backing from the town and district councils.

Nicki Coyne, community planning co-ordinator for Melksham First Partnership, said: "Everyone fully supports the park. The second skate park gig will be a tremendous event."

Since November last year the campaign has raised over £40,000 from fundraising and local businesses have helped out with donations. Earlier this year skateboarders packed bags for customers at Somerfields in Melksham and raised £561.

Mel Austin, organiser of the skate park gig, said: "Melksham really needs a skate park and these gigs are a great way to have fun and raise money at the same time.

"It will be a great event and a chance to listen to some excellent local bands and help the skate park too.

"There will be four bands and a DJ and they will all be playing their own tracks."

Opening the festival of music on Friday will be DJ Tonic, followed by the first public performance by teen-band Honey, led by 15-year-old singer and songwriter Charlene Wiltshire.

Lambsbread, a band made up of pupils from George Ward School, will also be on stage followed by winners of last year's BBC Radio Wiltshire Battle of the Bands, Sub:luminal.

Finishing off the gig will be Swindon-based group Buzztone, named Unsigned Band of the Year in 2002 by rock magazine Kerrang.

The gig kicks off at 8pm and tickets cost £3 in advance or £3.50 on the night.

To buy a ticket in advance, contact the main office at George Ward School on (01225) 702711 or call Mel Austin on (01225) 705866.

Nicki Coyne, community planning co-ordinator for Melksham First Partnership, said: "At the moment many boarders are using the steps at libraries or doctor's surgeries and it is clear they need somewhere decent.

"The skateboarders really deserve a park of their own, they have been working hard to get the money."

A site has been earmarked for the skate park in a corner of the King George V playing fields.