COMEDIAN and off-road motorcycle enthusiast Ross Noble is supporting a project to turn a former quarry into a haven for dirt bikes.

The 38-year-old Newcastle-born star is back in the region for a series of gigs in his hometown.

Although he spends his evenings on stage making thousands of stand-up fans laugh, he spend his days looking for tracks to go scrambling on.

That's how he stumbled across the facilities at Castleside Quarry, near Consett, County Durham.

Mr Noble, who was there today (Thursday, November 27) and yesterday, said: “During the day, rather than sitting around the hotel watching telly, I go out on my dirt bike and came across this place by chance.

“Young kids getting on motorbikes and riding them in parks and on fields is dangerous for them and it gives all bikers a bad name when it is just a few of them, so somewhere like this is good thing.”

The quarry has been transformed by Gateshead businessman Andy Davison, 45, who cleaned up the former fly-tipping hotspot to make a safe environment for bikers.

Now bikers spend the day with their machines every Sunday for £15 per day.

Mr Davison, who has been working with Durham County Council mid Durham area action partnership, is revamping part of the course and looking for concrete pipes, large tyres, a scrap car, logs and other items to create obstacles.

It is also hoped the scheme will tackle illegal off road bikes and anti social behaviour in the area.

Mr Noble said: “The guys were saying that they are looking for odds and ends because they are doing for the kids to get them ride safely. There is a charity element involved and I am happy to help if I can spread the word.”