A RAMSBOTTOM youth group will on Friday discover if they are MAD enough to take a top community award.

SK 8 ON, which fought for funding so a purpose-built skateboarding park could be built in the village, is one of 11 groups representing Greater Manchester's divisional police in vying for the title of Make A Difference winners 2003.

MAD aims to reward youth groups for improving their areas by tackling crime and disorder, as well as environmental issues.

SK 8 On won the divisional heats of the competition for their quest for proper skateboarding facilities in Porritt Street, Ramsbottom. Bury Council was so impressed that it invested £100,000 in a "half-pipe" for the skateboarders.

The winner of tonight's final at The Midland Hotel in Manchester will receive a £2,000 team cheque, £2,000 for a charity or community initiative and the MAD trophy.