SKIERS and snowboarders came out in force at the dry ski slope in Ipswich yesterday to show their support for a worthwhile charity and have some fun.

SKIERS and snowboarders came out in force at the dry ski slope in Ipswich yesterday to show their support for a worthwhile charity and have some fun.

Around 40 people hit the slopes for the relaxed jam session, riding, having fun and trying new jumps and tricks.

Martin Smith, 23, from Bury St Edmunds, one of the organisers of the event said: “Everyone really loved the park and the whole day went well. They all went away really happy, all in all it was a great event, despite the weather.

“We are definitely hoping to do the same thing again next year.”

Greg Alton, 29, from Bradfield Combust, helped to organise the event with Martin in aid of Cancer Research, after his mum was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Martin added: “Cancer has affected people close to us and so for personal reasons we wanted to raise as much as we could for the charity.”

Judges were on hand to score those taking part awarding prizes for various categories, as well as the riders' choice award voted for by the skiers and snowboarders.

Along with other snowboarders at the ski slope, Martin and Greg have been helping to build up the park over the last two years, gradually adding new jumps, rails and boxes for riders to try their luck at.

Martin highlighted their hope the event would raise the profile of the park and ski slope and get as many people along to have a go as possible.

He said: “Now we have this great park we want people to come along and ride it. Every Thursday evening between 6 and 10pm people are welcome to try it out at the 'Ramp and Rail' sessions we have.”