STATE-of-the-art biking facilities in Bransgore are proving popular with local youngsters.

Youth work charity UK Youth has upgraded their off-road tracks at the Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre in the New Forest thanks to money raised at their Big Bike Bash last year.

The local community raised £8,000 at the event and thanks to another £2,000 grant from the National park Authority, the improvements were made.

They include replacing existing parts of the bike trails and new “north-shore” decking at the 65-acre site near Bransgore as well as buying a fleet of new bikes and training for instructors taking part in bike skills sessions.

Louis Bonney, UK Youth’s director of fundraising said: “It’s great to have a place where people of all ages can come and have fun and learn new bike skills in a fantastic environment.

“We are really grateful to all those that support UK Youth’s work with young people and the local community who make events like the Big Bike Bash such a success.”

This year’s event will be held on the weekend of August 18 and 19.