BOURNEMOUTH BMX club is on track to succeed after winning an £8,000 grant to upgrade its facilities.

The popular Iford-based club has secured its position as a national race venue after installing a new safety start gate and carrying out improvements to the start hill.

The improvements were funded by an £8,000 grant from Bournemouth council’s Community Action Fund. The initiative was set up by the council to provide financial support to groups who are helping to reduce antisocial behaviour, reduce health inequalities and boost community engagement.

Cllr Lawrence Williams, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, kick-started a day of celebrations, which included open-track sessions and coaching. He said: “The BMX club provides a great service and we are delighted to have been able to support them with this funding.

“The Community Action Fund was set up to help organisations exactly like this.

“The facilities they provide are used and enjoyed by a number of our residents.

“I look forward to seeing the benefits these improvements to the track will bring.”

Mike Whittaker, chairman of the BMX club, said: “Everyone at the club would like to say a big thank you to the council for helping make this happen.

“The benefit to the club from these improvements will be huge, a real benefit to grassroots BMX racing.”