CYCLISTS are celebrating the opening of the new pump track in Skipton's Aireville Park.

Young people have already been flocking to the track, which is free for anyone to use during daylight hours.

“It’s epic,” said eight-year-old Sam Bland, from Skipton.

His mum, Deb, added: “I feel so lucky that we have this in Skipton. My boys have been using the park since they were tiny and the pump track is such an asset. As a family we are very grateful and feel really excited about all the other plans there are for the park.”

The scheme was paid for through a £25,000 grant from Yorventure, £15,000 from Craven District Council and £1,000 from the Tarn Moor Trust.

Cllr Linda Brockbank, the council's lead member for Working with Communities, said: “The pump track is a fantastic addition to Aireville Park and part of our Tour de France legacy. It is a great sports facility for everyone from beginners to advanced cyclists.

“We hope everyone will respect the track and each other, and have a lot of fun this summer and in years to come.”

A spokesman for Yorventure said: “Yorventure and Yorwaste Ltd are delighted to support this exciting new facility for the children and young people of Skipton and surrounding areas. It’s great news that the pump track is now open for the summer holidays.”

Fiona Protheroe, chairman of the Friends of Aireville Park, said: “We’re thrilled that the pump track is open. It’s brilliant to see such enthusiasm for the project and so many people using the park. We hope it’s going to be a great summer and we can’t wait for the new skatepark to open too, hopefully by the end of August.”

The track consists of a start area, eight banked corners, five straights which have a mix of features such as single and double rollers, and two transition platforms that allow you to change direction. The total track length is 130 metres.

A user maintenance club is being established through the Friends and anyone wanting further information should email bdinsmore@cravendc.gov.uk