KEEN youngsters enjoyed a successful taster day on the racetrack.

Braintree BMX Club held an open day to allow budding riders to try out the track and get some professional coaching.

Interest in BMX riding has soared following the Olympic gold medal win from former Braintree BMX Club member.

The 22-year-old from Finchingfield referred to her triumph as the “perfect opportunity” for more facilities to encourage young Britons to pick up a bike.

Halstead Gazette: Bethany Shriever Bethany Shriever

All five sessions were booked up within 48 hours and a total of seventy-six new riders attended the day following an overwhelming response.

Head coach, Julian Allen said the response was "overwhelming".

Councillor Peter Tattersley, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “It was brilliant to see so many young people show up to try BMX at this event and so much interest in sport.

"The BMX track is an excellent facility for the district and it is good to see it being well used!”

The day took place due to Active Essex's Find Your Active campaign.

Coaches are now inviting riders to join the clubs 'intro to BMX' sessions and hope to run another taster session if they can secure the funding.

Hollie Wood, assistant relationship manager at Active Essex said: “We’re proud to have funded this event as part of our Find Your Active campaign and to see such a brilliant response from young people.

"The club did a fantastic job at welcoming new riders and introducing BMX as a new activity for many, Find Your Active is all about finding an activity that’s right for you and to have plenty of fun doing it."

To find out more go to braintreebmx.com.