A DISUSED quarry is to be given a new use - as an outdoors activities area for youngsters.

Planning permission has been granted for the quarry near Pickering to be transformed, five years after the idea was first mooted.

And supporters of the Newbridge Park group have already set to work in the hope that some facilities will be ready for the school summer holidays.

Mike Hawtin, a member of the co-ordinating committee, said: “The idea to transform the disused quarry was initially thought of by Dr Tim Thornton about five years ago, but nothing came of it,” he said.

“It was resurrected when the Mountain Bike World Cup first came to Dalby, but it was only earlier this year when things got off the ground and we started applying for funding and planning permission.”

He said local children had used the area for years but it was now hoped to create something more professional that could be managed and maintained.

“As well as a long-term woodland management plan designed to reintroduce native species, the group will look to formalise and manage cycling activities,” he added.

“This formalisation and management will take the form of building a jumps and skills area with cross-country trail loop designed to allow progression for beginners and advanced riders alike.”

There are also plans to improve footpaths and accessibility as well as installing seating and a picnic area.