Scores of daredevil primary schoolchildren showcased their skills at a newly built cycling haven in Chalkhill during a special launch event.

Youngsters from nearby St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School and Chalkhill Primary School in Goodson Road and Barnhill Road respectively tested out the recently constructed facilities in Chalkhill Open Space.

Overgrown vegetation was cleared for the installation of a BMX track, a family cycling circuit and a scooter track in the south eastern corner of the sports ground in the popular green in Barnhill Road.

A storage container is located on site where fifteen bikes have been tagged and issued for users to borrow while at the facility.

Mark Betts, associate head at St Joseph’s, said: “Previously our young people had to travel 45 minutes to the nearest facility – now we can get more youngsters into BMX and hopefully discover more young talent.”

In addition, a new BMX club has been set up, which will be held at the track on Saturdays at 1.30pm.

Sessions are free and bikes and safety equipment is provided at no extra cost.

Joe McTague, member and programme leader of access sport, which will run the group, said: “This is a fantastic way for children to keep active, and you never know, the next BMX star might emerge from here.”

Kath Fraser, chair of the Chalkhill residents association, said: “It is absolutely brilliant for our young kids. It keeps them off the street and gives them something positive to do.”

Plans to convert the previously disused area of the popular Brent open space into a cycling haven were given the thumbs up by planning chiefs in March.

Cllr Michael Pavey, deputy leader of Brent Council said: “This is an excellent new council funded sports facility for young people and families. It is great that our youngsters now have fantastic new cycle tracks to enjoy here in Brent.”

For more information on the BMX Club, please visit www.brentbmxclub.co.uk or Facebook Brent BMX Club.