OLYMPIC gold medallist Steven Burke is hoping the new pump track named in his honour will help nurture top cyclists in the future from East Lancashire.

Hundreds of people attended the opening of the Steven Burke Pump Track at Swinden Playing Fields in Nelson on Saturday afternoon.

The project has taken four-and-a-half years to bring to fruition.

Mr Burke, who helped Team GB take gold in the team pursuit in 2012 and 2016, said: “It is a fantastic facility for the kids and I think this pump track will help the kids with the skills needed to ride their bikes.

“It will also give them the confidence for developing their skills and they can take that into road racing, BMX or cyclo-cross. With a place like this here there is more chance of having potentially another Olympian from these areas.”

“It was a big thing when the circuit was developed and built I feel massively feel proud of it.”

The initiative was the brainchild of Manny Bashah and Andrew McGhie and they were delighted to see so many cyclists putting the new facility to the test.

Mr McGhie said: “It feels amazing and I have been shaking with excitement about it.

“It is bringing together many generations of cyclists together and the older ones are helping the younger ones which is great.

“This area has a good reputation for cycling and we are delighted to have Steven Burke’s name attached to it.”

Mr Bashah added: “The amount of kids using it has made it all worth it.

“It feels great to give them something positive to do, which is something we have been struggling for. I think it will be great for them.”

The track will be used by the Pendle Panthers BMX Team who recently competed at the British BMX Championships.

Pendle Mayor Cllr David Whalley said: “It is in an absolutely brilliant location for the kids. They are getting out in the fresh air and it is something for everyone as all they need is a bike to use it.”

n To watch video of youngsters trying out the new track visit www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk