LEISURE chiefs have urged cyclists to stay safe on a new BMX track which they hope will put their town on the map.

The track has been built on the site of a former ski slope at the Spectrum Leisure Centre, in Willington, which is managed by the volunteer-run Spectrum Leisure and Management (Slam).

Alison Hirst, one of the founding trustees at the leisure centre, said the BMX track has already attracted more than 150 cyclists, despite not yet being officially open.

She urged riders to be safe on the new track, which is 25 metres between its highest and lowest point.

She said: "This is a community space so is not monitored, people use it at their own risk. I would urge people to wear protective gear and ride safely."

Brent Featherstone and his children Ben, 12, and Ellie, nine, from Crook, are keen BMX riders and travel across the country to compete.

They have had to make daily trips to Hartlepool and Barnard Castle to train, so having the new track on their doorstep will be a big help.

Mr Featherstone said: "It's already being very well used, it seems to be very popular especially with local children."

He said his club, North-East BMX, would look at holding training sessions at the track and big competitions may also be held there.

The track was designed and built by a company from Sheffield and recycled stone was donated to the project by Crook-based contractor Marley.

Ian Hirst, from Slam, said: "This is a fantastic facility and has the potential to provide opportunities for riders of all abilities, from beginners to professional level.

"Future champions could come from here. Who knows what we will produce."

Joe Buckham, chairman of Slam, said: "People knew the Spectrum because of the ski slope. Now they will know us because of this track.

"It is going to put us back on the map."

Trustee Steve Winter said that a survey of the town had found the majority of residents wanted to see the Spectrum come back to life and the track had marked a major landmark in its renovation.