MANAGERS at Ski Rossendale say the winter Olympics has inspired young hopefuls to flock to the slopes to learn skiing and snowboarding.

Ski Rossendale in Rawtenstall is having to pull out all the stops to cope with demand for ski and snowboard lessons.

Rossendale Leisure Trust's Darren Sienkiewicz said excitement levels have grown in the past week after the start of the Winter Olympics in Turin, with Team GB's best medal prospects for many years.

People throughout the region are backing Rossendale's Kristan Bromley, currently ranked 5th in the world in the skeleton bob and due to race today.

During weekends and weekday evenings up to 12 instructors can now be seen running separate lessons and courses around the centre, with the busiest time being Sunday afternoon.

Darren said: "The Winter Olympics have been inspiring youngsters to come to Ski Rossendale and have a go for themselves. It's had a massive impact.

"We now have a new lesson programme which has been designed to ensure that all those who set out to learn the sports will achieve the desired goal of being able to use the lifts and be in control on the daunting main slope.

"While many of Ski Rossendale's visitors are preparing for trips to the alps and beyond, there is an increasing trend, especially among young users to use the artificial slope as a sporting venue in itself.

"From Snowboard Aerials to Ski Slalom Racing it can all be seen at Ski Rossendale and might just inspire some of the beginners on the teaching slope to carry on to bigger things."

He said the sales of annual passes, which allow 364 days of sliding, are increasing all the time.

Many of the snowboarders who use the big air' jumps on the fun park, have never been on snow, but can compete when they enter major competitions.