A SLED dog track in East Lancashire is expected to attract riders from across the North West, thanks to the hard graft of supporters.

But the opening of the Sibes and Sled Dogs Husky Welfare course, off Greenfield Road, on the Colne-Barrowford border, at the weekend was tinged with sadness following the death of dedicated campaigner John Duxbury.

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The 55-year-old lost his life to a suspected heart attack just over a week ago and his widow Christine and close family were on hand to share his dream with the sled dog community with the opening of the XLCR trail.

“This was John’s dream and he put so much into it,” said Christine.

“He worked his fingers to the bone on this and obviously today is tinged with a bit of sadness,” added Sammie, one of his daughters.

Lee Duerden, whose Colne-based insurance firm has sponsored the track and who has been a supporter of the rescue organisation since its launch in 2012, added: “The track is looking great thanks to the efforts of everyone here.”

John had worked on the track with fellow enthusiasts Daniel Jackson and Alan Cooney, developing an abandoned former nature reserve into a one-and-a-half kilometre trail, where rigs can reach speeds of up to 25 to 30mph.

Daniel has also developed a lightweight scooter, with local engineer Jamie Southworth, dubbed the XLCR Wolftrax, to trial on the scenic course, which stretches as far as Colne Water.

Jordan Hargreaves, 20, from Burnley, who conducted the first official ride on the track, on a two-dog rig with sled dogs Eco and Khumo, said: “I’ve raced my own cars and bikes but this is something else.

“This track will be fun and give people the chance to experience sled dog riding for themselves.”

Daniel said there were also plans to run photography classes on the course, with special features incorporated into the run for enthusiasts.