A NEW competition at this year's Peterlee Show has been organised to test the skills of BMX riders.

The first Peterlee BMX Cup championship is to be staged on Sunday, September 4.

Competitors will be given three minutes to impress the judges with a freestyle performance.

The competition is open to all ages with categories for 12 years and under and 13 years and over.

Entry to the competition is free and the winner in each category will receive a medal and have their names engraved on a trophy cup which will be displayed at Peterlee Town Council offices.

Steve Clarke, youth strategy co-ordinator, said: "This is the first competition of its kind in the district. We plan to make it an annual event. So if anyone wants to display their peg-grabs, tailwhips, 540s or cancans then they need to get hold of application forms by calling 0191-518 6338."