A new business is encouraging young people to get active and take up a new hobby in Lowestoft.

Skatebox is a new shop that has opened on the Triangle Market – selling scooters, skateboards, BMX bikes, drift trikes and numerous other pieces of equipment from top brands.

It is the brainchild of Grant Philips, 38, who gave up his job of ten years at Birds Eye to develop his idea.

'There is nowhere for teenagers to come and buy the things they want, purchase the spares that they need and meet other skaters and riders,' said Mr Phillips, who has lived in north Lowestoft his whole life.

'My philosophy is, if we can stop kids from sitting indoors and playing on their Xbox, then that's fantastic.

'If we can get them active and meeting other people, then I am sure we can build a little community.

'It's taken a few months to get my little idea to where we are today but I couldn't be happier with how it has been so far – I am over the moon.'

The shop, on St Peters Street, was officially opened on May 14.

It also sells spare parts and components, with Mr Phillips keen to offer advice on upgrades and how to progress young talent in the area.

He has big plans to develop his store – also aiming to one day open an indoor skatepark for young people in the town to use.

'If you go past Normanston Park on any given day, it's absolutely heaving with kids – some BMX riders and others with scooters and skateboards,' Mr Phillips added.

'But during the winter months I think it would be brilliant to provide somewhere else for the kids to go,

'An indoor skatepark would be great for them to use and we could also hold after school clubs and birthday parties there.'

Mr Phillips also described the Triangle Market area as his 'spiritual home' – after previously owning Harmony Records between 1999 and 2001 – just three doors down from his new location.

? For more information about the shop, type Skatebox into Facebook or call 01502 217698.

Mr Phillips is also running a competition at Skatebox which is aiming to find a future star. He is on the lookout for people across Waveney who have the potential to go on and become a top rider.

'We want people to nominate someone they see as really developing,' Mr Phillips said.

'The more people we can get involved the better.

'We will then narrow down a shortlist and meet these people – maybe they can have a face off where they pick their best trick.

'We will then sponsor the winner and give them a decent top of the range scooter for them to push on and do their tricks.'

Mr Phillips is hoping his competition will be a catalyst for other young people to take part and get involved with the skating community. If you would like to nominate someone, pop into the shop or type Skatebox into Facebook.

The shop will be open between 12pm and 5.30pm each day, but will be open later during the school holidays and all day on Saturdays.

? Do you have a story for our In Business pages? Email joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk