BREATHTAKING leaps and nail-biting finishes made for an action-packed day at a major BMX competition in County Durham today (Sunday, May 5).

Hundreds of riders from across Northern England, the Midlands and Scotland competed in the Northern Region BMX contest at The Hub in Barnard Castle.

The Hub Club, a BMX group based at the Shaw Bank complex, hosted the event, which is one of a series of competitions culminating in the British championships in Birmingham at the end of August.

Blessed by sunny weather, the contest saw 200 riders aged four to 65 compete on the 400 metre track, while the enthusiastic crowd cheered them on.

Andrew Parks, 37, travelled from Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, to compete in the event.

“It has been a fantastic day, especially for the kids,” said Mr Parks. “I have been riding all my life but I only started competing about three years ago.

“I think it is great activity because the whole family can come along. “When you go mountain biking it can be quite a solitary activity but when you come here it is a day out for everyone.”

The Hub Club’s Tom Whipman said he was delighted to stage such a high profile event in Teesdale, adding: "We have only been going as a club for two years and this is our first big event."

For more information about The Hub Club visit tcrhub.co.uk or call 01833-690150.