DEDICATED mountain bike enthusiasts from around the UK are expected to descend on the region at the end of the month for a top racing event.

Round two of the English Race Series Downhill Event is being hosted by Descent Mountain Bike Promotions at its Hamsterley Forest base on April 24 and 25.

Directors Craig Hunter and Robert Boyd opened the multi-use mountain bike facility in the County Durham forest only six months ago and this will be the first time the venue has hosted an event of this kind.

The duo are also hoping to build on their success by aiming to be a recognised, must-visit facility for mountain bikers from Europe by the end of the summer.

Mr Hunter said: "People already travel from all over Britain and it's a vote of confidence knowing we have established a centre for excellence here in the North-East.

"Part of our work involves teaching disadvantage and underprivileged children and these can often be the most rewarding cases because it's great to see them go away with more self esteem and confidence.

"It has been a fantastic six months and we are determined to be on the European mountain biking map by the end of the summer.