Scooter and skate fans can master new tricks on a hybrid board invented in Sussex.

The Skootboard is a cross between a scooter, skateboard and BMX bike, designed to withstand the pressures of performing acrobatic manoeuvres.

It was created by Dom Mason, of Henfield-based Upgrade mountain bike distributors, and has now been mass-produced by the manufacturers of the microscooter, a Taiwanese company called JD.

Mr Mason said: "I had been watching people on microscooters trying to do the sort of tricks a skateboarder can achieve. It just wasn't happening because the scooters aren't designed to work that way.

"I have developed a completely new board, drawing on skateboard and BMX technology, to meet the demands of the more adventurous scooter rider.

"I made the prototype by cannablising my own bikes and boards. I kept moulding the different technologies together until I had the design right. It is fantastic to see the first shipment of the retail version arrive in sufficient numbers to be sent to stockists all over the country."

The Skootboard has a 36-inch, skateboard-style deck made from eight-ply maple wood. The wheel mechanisms, the trucks, are bolted on underneath and the rear truck has a brake.

The BMX handlebars are much stronger and offer more control than standard scooter steering bars.

Last week, the Skootboard intrigued visitors at the two-day National Adventure Sports show and attracted more than 20 orders.

www.theskootboard.com