TERRITORIAL Army soldiers and youngsters from the Prince’s Trust have built a bike track with a difference in Burnley.

The 120 metre long route at the Brun Valley Forest Park is a looped track known as a ‘pump track’, cons-isting of a series of rollers and berms that can be ridden without pedalling.

Riders propel themselves by shifting their body weight and the bike over the contours of the track.

The TA used 340 tonnes of recycled materials and 30 tonnes of stone to create the track, which was designed by Ian Warby from the Cycle Touring Club and Jan Czuganlinski from Ride-On Cycles, in Rawtenstall.

The track is located off Queen’s Park Road, on land next to the former Rowley landfill site.

Simon Goff, Burnley Council’s head of green spaces and amenities, said: “The pump track is an exciting new development in the Brun Valley Forest Park.

“It will provide lots of fun and plenty exercise for cyclists of all ages and we are very grateful to the Army personnel who have worked so hard to build it.

“We are also very grateful to Jan Czuganlinski, from Ride-On Cycles, who gave his expertise and time to help the Army.”

Lt Col Al Veitch, Commanding Officer of 75 Engineer Regiment, said: “The Brun Valley Army Challenge has been a great project for the Army to be involved in.

“The project has provided valuable training for our soldiers. We have helped unemployed young people gain new skills and we have provided new facilities for the people of Burn-ley to enjoy.”

The track can be ridden on mountain bikes and BMX bikes and is suitable for all ages and experience levels.

The Brun Valley Forest Park will eventually provide more than 15 kilometres of routes for cycling, walking, running and horse-riding, as well as facilities just for cycles.