FRIENDS and family members were left distraught after a memorial plaque in honour of a 16-year-old who died three years ago was destroyed by vandals.

The marble plaque, at Radcliffe Skatepark in Hutchinson Way, was erected in memory of Dave Hoptroff, a keen BMX rider who died at his home in Ramsbottom in May 2012.

The memorial was placed at the park shortly after his death and was regularly surrounded with flowers and tribute messages to the former Woodhey High School pupil, who spent most nights there with his girlfriend and friends.

Since it was destroyed last Wednesday night, a generous supporter has agreed to install a new plaque free of charge, though friends are still planning a collection to help fund a replacement.

Mr Chris Kelman, who knew Dave from the time the park was first opened, said: "It has upset an awful lot of people. Dave was well known and much loved by those of us at the skatepark and his death was a really terrible thing.

"It was really lovely to have this little memorial to him where we would leave flowers and messages in his memory.

"It has been there for a few years now and everyone has been very respectful of it. To the credit of the kids who do hang around the park, it has been completely untouched ever since it was put there.

"Then we saw the state it was in on Thursday and everyone was completely shocked. It's senseless and I can't imagine why anyone would want to destroy something like this. It's awful to think that it could have been done by someone who knew Dave and has been around the skatepark.

"Fortunately, the guy who made the first plaque has offered to do another one for us. He offered to do it for free, but we are going to collect some money between ourselves to help pay for it.

"This has really upset and angered us all. Dave's death was a terrible tragedy and he deserves far better than for his memorial to be destroyed like this."

A charity skate contest in Dave's memory is due to be held this month, raising money for prevention of young suicide charity PAPYRUS.

Around 200 skateboarders, scooters and BMXers met up for the first 'Davestock' event last year, and organisers are hoping for similar success this time.

Mr Kelman, aged 53 of Rupert Street, Radcliffe, added: "It was a good event last year, even if it was a little bit chaotic as most skateboarding things tend to be. They raised quite a lot of money, so fingers crossed we will have another good turnout this year.

"I was here helping to get the park up and running in the first place, and the whole idea was to make something positive happen in Radcliffe and that has most definitely been achieved. The place is always busy and my approach is that if it wasn't there then these kids would be out on the street and maybe getting into trouble."

The event is due to take place on September 19.

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