A GROUP of Burnley youngsters covered 20 miles on their bikes in a bid to inspire residents to fund a new BMX track.

Twelve teenagers from the Worsthorne and Pike Hill area hit the road to help raise the £16,000 needed for the new facility.

They managed to collect £750 from sponsorship and donations meaning that the fund is just £3,000 short of its target.

The track, which has been supported by parents, councillors and police, will be built at Worst-horne recreation ground and will mean youngsters no longer have to travel to Burnley to use facilities there.

PCSO Dave Johnson, who helped supervise the event, said: “It is great to see the youths getting involved in something they want and are helping us achieve.

“At one of the check points we were approached by a member of the public who donated the last £5 in his wallet when we told him what was going on!

“This is the third fundraising event we have had following bag packing at Tesco and a car wash at the local Spar at Pike Hill.

“With the sponsor money collected from this event the youths will have raised £750 themselves towards the total cost of £16,000.”

It is hoped the track will be built in the next few months.

Chairperson of Worsthorne BMX Group, Elaine Cosgrove, said: “My two sons are keen BMX riders and I am proud of them getting involved in this activity, as I am of all the youths.

“With a bit of luck, we should be able to start work on this project soon so that the facility will be available for most of the school holidays.”

The riders travelled 20 miles in a circular route from Worsthorne via Long Causeway to Blackshaw Head and back via Widdop and the Thursden Valley to Haggate before returning to Worsthorne on June 13.