SHREDDERS and grinders from across the country rolled into town this weekend for one of the biggest skateboarding festivals in the UK.
Hundreds of skaters flocked to the Make It Count event for the chance to fly to California and compete for a one-year sponsorship deal with skate fashion brand Element.
Flo Skatepark, in Poulton Drive, Sneinton, was selected from dozens of other venues around the UK to host the festival.
The competition was split into three age groups – 13 and under, 14-16 and 17 and over – with everyone from hardened pros to beaming youngsters gunning for the top prize.
There were no trials or entry fees: entrants were simply required to turn up with a can of food, which would then be donated to a variety of good causes.
Caroline Stewart, co-owner of Flo, said she was delighted by the response the centre had received from the skateboarding fraternity since the park was opened last November.
She said: "Although we've held contests here before, it's quite exciting to be involved in one of the international competitions.
Alex Halford, 20, of Greythorn Drive, West Bridgford, was one of the pros at the festival and has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Tony Hawk, arguably the greatest skateboarder of all time.
Alex said skating still trumped all other sports for its hidden complexity and "fringe benefits".
He said: "It's a very creative sport and although you spend a lot of time doing solo stuff, it's a great way to socialise.
"It keeps you really fit and the girls love it!"
Student Oliver Birch, 21, travelled from Liverpool with his friends for the day and said he was blown away by the park and other athletes.
He said: "The park is sick; we've never been here before but it's going really well so far.
"Skating's not like football, you don't get bored of seeing the same places; you can skate all day, every day and never see the same place twice."
Organiser and film-maker Simon Wilson said he had been stunned by the level of enthusiasm.
He added: "The levels of skill here are definitely up there with other contests in terms of the tricks they're doing."