High-profile national cycling competitions may be attracted to the region after the completion of £30,000-worth of improvements to a cycle track.

The improved 4X, or mountain bike-style, cycle course was opened at the Summerhill activity centre in Hartlepool this week.

Cycle consultants claim the course is now the best facility for mountain biking in the north of England.

The improvements include a new surface, reshaped jumps and turns, the installation of a start gate and additional drainage. The £30,000 is part of a £934,000 Sport England Lottery grant awarded to improve facilities across the 100-acre Summerhill centre.

The new-look track has already attracted attention in cycling circles thanks to the involvement of Phil Saxena, a world-renowned consultant who helped to design an award-winning World Cup 4X course in Fort William in Scotland and a world championship course in Switzerland.

Summerhill manager Tony Davison said: "Phil is one of the top designers and has worked all over the world, so it is a bit of a coup that we have been able to secure his services. The course is looking really good and we are confident that in the not too distant future we could be holding races and welcoming some of the UK's best 4X riders."

Summerhill, formerly a network of farm fields and owned by Hartlepool Borough Council, is transforming a number of its facilities. Access to the 4X track is free. Free coaching sessions are on offer on Thursdays from 6pm with Steve Noble of British Cycling.