YOUNG people of all ages leapt onto their bikes to whizz around Wroughton’s new pump track.

The chairman of the parish council officially cut the ribbon to open the new facility on Saturday and then hosted the first ever competition on the day.

John Hewer completed the ceremony at 2.30pm with more than 300 parents and cyclists at the event.

The track has been built on Maunsell Way recreation ground and is suitable for all-weather conditions.

There was a huge turnout for the opening with a mixed crowd of people from the local community but also people from all across the town who were excited to ride on the track.

Zakariya Jamil was at the event with his parents. He brought his bike so he could test out the new attraction.

He said: “I couldn’t wait to ride my bike on this.

“When I saw that this was coming to the town I was really excited. I love riding and something like this makes it more exciting.

“I pleaded with my mum and dad to make sure we could go, and it was great to see so many fellow riders.”

He added: “This will be great for everyone over the years to come.”

BMX Wroughton were one of the driving forces behind getting the development approved after they realised that there wasn’t a similar facility within a 20-mnile radius.

This is formed by a group of local bike enthusiasts who set up the club.

Swindon Mountain Biking Enthusiast club assisted the event by volunteering their help – this was crucial to the day being able to happen.

The community of Wroughton now have their own unique showplace that will attract people to the village.

This has been achieved due to the work they have done with the parish council to get them on board building a track in the village.

It took three and a half years to get the track completed.

Jennifer Purcell, secretary of Wroughton BMX, said: “It was amazing to see how many people turned up to the event.

“It made the day even more special and the whole team was blown away by the atmosphere, seeing everyone’s smiles made it all worth it.

“We are also very grateful to everyone who helped on the day and we would like to say a special thanks to Flynn Group for preparing the site for us.”

The next venture for the group is to expand their cycling club, but also to increase female participation in the sport.