A NEW cycling track has provided a boost to a popular countryside attraction in Hartlepool.

The old BMX track at the 100-acre Summerhill site on the western edge of the town has been upgraded to the higher Bicycle Super-Cross (BSX) standard.

The manager of Summerhill, Tony Davison, said: "We have changed some of the bumps and bends. We have also put in quite a lot of drainage and tried to put down a better surface.

"The BMX course has always proved popular, but people have been telling us that they like what we have done to it.

"There is nothing even approaching this kind of standard in the immediate vicinity. I believe the nearest other track of this quality is in Hull."

The main course is suitable for cyclists aged eight and over, but a small junior track, suitable for children as young as five, has also been created.

About £7,500 has been spent on the improvements, part of a Sport England Lottery Fund grant of £934,000 awarded to Summerhill to fund a variety of projects.

Staff have been working with British Cycling to design the track.

Mr Davison said: "A longer-term aim is to host competitive BSX events, but that would require a start-gate and more work to the bends. We hope to do that but it all depends on money."

Cycling is one of eight sports, along with archery, cross-country running, walking, horse riding, orienteering, rock climbing and fitness, that have been selected for development at Summerhill