TOP skiers will be flying high as they attempt to break a world record at Ski Rossendale next month.

The struggling venue will be thrown a lifeline when international winter sports stars hit the slopes to smash the record for the highest quarterpipe jump.

The attempt will take place at the Haslingden Old Road slope, in Rawtenstall, and will be filmed by the BBC’s children’s TV programme Blue Peter.

Coun Jason Gledhill, portfolio holder for leisure, said: “I think any sort of community group getting together to attempt something like this is a great idea.

“On a bigger scale a world record attempt will help but Rossendale on the map and highlight the plight of Ski Rossendale.”

The 40-year-old artificial ski slope, which needs urgent upgrades, has been losing money for several years and costs Rossendale Council more than £100,000 a year to operate.

It has seen visitor numbers fall by half due to competition from rival ski slopes, including the multi-million pound Chill Factore in Manchester.

A group of workers have submitted a proposal to the council that could include the facility being run by the community.

The council has agreed to listen to any suggestions from Ski Rossendale staff that could help save the ailing tourist attraction.

Staff have received support from local businesses, including Bacup Auto centre, and a Scottish Ski slope, which also runs as a social enterprise.

A public meeting on the centre’s future will be held at the venue’s cafe on Thursday, January 20, from 8pm.