A RACE track for BMX riders has been completed after a £100,000 revamp.

After three years of planning, the development at Royston Rockets BMX Racing Club began in April and has finally been completed. It replaces an old track that had become damaged and unsafe.

The club’s chairman, Phil Townsend, said: “It is absolutely fantastic, it’s been a pretty amazing journey. We have had lots of new people from the local area and new riders from across the country come to use the track. The old one was in desperate need of a transformation.”

Funding came in the form of £50,000 from the National Lottery, £36,000 from North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) and another £10,000 raised by the club itself.

Cllr Ian Knighton, NHDC’s portfolio holder for leisure, attended the track’s official completion, along with members of the club. He said: “The work on the track will benefit many younger people from Royston as well as the club members. This will be an outstanding sports facility that will really put Royston on the sporting map and we hope that users will continue to enjoy it for many years to come.”

An official opening ceremony will take place on July 7 at the track’s first regional race, which will see around 200 riders take part - more than ever before.

Royston Rockets has around 100 members. For further information visit www.roystonrockets.co.uk or call the club secretary on 01763 260959.