THRILLS and chills will be on offer at Ski Rossendale when winter sports enthusiasts from across the UK showcase a new jump.

Last year, during a period which saw the Rawtenstall leisure facility blighted by theft, criminal damage and arson, one of the dry ski slope’s biggest and most popular features - the ‘kicker’ freestyle jump - was targeted by vandals.

But the jump has since been replaced with a new and improved version.

A group of extreme sports enthusiasts will showcase the new kicker at a freestyle competition for skiers and snowboarders.

The ‘King of the Kicker’ contest is being organised by a group of local freestylers called The Kommitteeee.

Jamie Keeble, a keen snowboarder who lives in Rawtenstall and used to work at the dry ski slope, is chief organiser.

He said: “In 2009 Ski Rossendale dry slope was subject to a spate of vandalism including thefts and fires.

“One of the major pieces of equipment damaged during this period was our freestyle jump.

“Eventually, the old kicker was replaced by a shiny new one, bigger and better than the old one.

“In celebration of this new kicker, the Ski Rossendale freestyle collective, The Kommitteeee, decided it would be a great idea to hold a freestyle competition for both skiers and snowboarders.”

Jamie said he hoped to attract at least 50 competitors and 100 spectators to the contest on Sunday November 7.

Competitors will be able to register between 10.30am and 11.30am at a cost of £15.

The winners will be presented with prizes at 5.30pm.