A project to build a skate park in Castletown has been backed by pro skateboarder Tony Hawk.

Known as one of the most talented skateboarders of all time, the Californian athlete sent a video message to the Isle of Man along with a signed skateboard to help towards the fundraising of the park.

Currently £150,000 has been raised to replace an existing skate park with a modern concrete riding facility, which is aimed to cater for a range of sports equipment including skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades and wheelchairs.

In the video posted online, the 50-year-old said: ’Hey guys, what’s up it’s Tony Hawk.

’I just wanna wish you luck with the Castletown skate park project and to help you along here is a skateboard signed by the original Bones Brigade: Rodney Mullen; Lance Mountain; Tommy Guerrero; Mike McGill; me and Steve Caballero.

’I hope this raises some money for the project and that someday I can come skating with you guys.’

Commissioner Jimmy Cubbon, who has been leading the campaign to set up a new facility, is over the moon with the support.

’I talk a lot and I was speechless when I saw the video,’ he said.

’For people my age to hear his name and "Castletown" in the same sentence... it’s unbelievable!’

He explained that the island’s branch of Pokerstars, which he said is interested in the project, gained the star’s attention when a company member went to the United States for a conference which Mr Hawk was attending.

Mr Cubbon added: ’I’d hate to see the signed skateboard go out to someone’s private home. To have a board like that for the children to see would be amazing.

’I’ll have to sit down with the Castletown Parks Charity and discuss this.’

The former community police officer and a father of three said he is ’passionate’ to have something introduced to the town for all ages and abilities to try out.

He has been ’pushing’ for this new facility for five years as the existing park is ’unfit for purpose’.

Plans for the new facility at Poulsom Park were unveiled in 2017 with Castletown commissioners and the Manx Lottery Trust contributing £50,000 each towards it.

Castletown Parks Charity has raised the remainder, which will cover costs of the concrete structure.

However, the charity is hoping to raise funds for lighting, a water fountain and a seating area.

When asked whether Castletown can expect a visit from Mr Hawk, Mr Cubbon said: ’It’s being discussed... so watch this space.’

This is not the first time the legendary skateboarder has aided a skate park project. More than 500 skate park projects in the United States have received aid through his Tony Hawk Foundation, which has donated more than $5.2million (£4.1 m) to finance facilities in low income areas.

It was at the mere age of 16 that the athlete became the world’s best competitive skateboarder.

The Bones Brigade, which he referred to, is the team name which he and the aforementioned skateboarders created as teenagers.