PENDLE Olympic hero Steven Burke has given his backing to a proposed BMX track at the Nelson sports centre that bears his name.

The gold-medal-winning cyclist, from Colne, called in at the Steven Burke Sports Hub to back budding bikers in their bid for funding to complete the ‘pump track’.

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The Hub has lodged an expression of interest with the Lancashire Environmental Fund to secure the £95,000 needed to move the scheme forward.

Mr Burke, an ex-Park High School student, secured a silver medal in the team pursuit as part of the Great Britain quartet at the Cycling World Championships on Thursday.

He said: “The plans are really exciting and I am looking forward to the prospect of having a go on the pump track. It’s something I have never done but I know would have found great fun when I was starting out.”

BMX enthusiast and youth project volunteer Manny Bahah, who met Mr Burke, said a pump track featured bumps and banked corners ideal for beginner riders.

He said: “A pump track is the kind of facility that appeals to young people. They are drawn to it because it’s fun and exhilarating to ride. It gives them skills and abilities to either concentrate on off-road riding or, like Steven, move to velodrome cycling or road racing.”

If it is given the green light, the track would be the second phase of work at the venue at Swinden Playing Fields since it opened last July.

Cycle Sport Pendle Chairman Neil Welsh said: “Manny’s enthusiasm and past experience of youth volunteer work brings an ideal opportunity for us to add considerably to what can be achieved at the hub and the legacy of Steven’s achievements.

“BMX riding and mountain biking are both excellent skills for young riders. As a club we are in a position to offer coach-led sessions and recruit and retain off-road coaches.”

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, who represents outdoor recreation in Pendle, added: “With mountain biking and BMX both now Olympic disciplines, it’s wonderful that Pendle could have its own pump track.”