A TRAILBLAZING North-East race has proved to be a huge success.

The three cyclo-cross races were staged at the 100-acre site off Catcote Road, Hartlepool, for the first time yesterday.

The event was organised by Steve Noble - who does a lot of work for Summerhill as a BMX coach - on behalf of Stockton Wheelers Cycling Club.

It was the fourth of six events in the North-East Cyclo-Cross Regional Series and involved competitors racing on off-road routes around Summerhill.

Summerhill manager Tony Davison said: "Cyclo-cross poses quite a challenge, with mud and undulating hills the order of the day. However, it is also a lot of fun.

"This is the first time that we have hosted competitive cyclo-cross and we are delighted to be breaking new ground.

"In cyclo-cross, any style of bike can be used, but all-terrain mountain bikes and special racer-style cyclo-cross bikes are best suited to the conditions.