The outdoor cycling circuit at the Salt Ayre Sport Centre in Lancaster has reopened to the public following a £160,000 refurbishment.

The 1,300-metre track is one of a few remaining dedicated outside circuits in the UK and will be used by both top-level athletes as well as the ublic.

Lancaster City COuncil will work together with the Salt Ayre Cycling Association and British Cycling to develop a comprehensive club structure at the centre. The partnership will also use the new track to introduce a Wheels for All programme, a campaign encouraging more people with disabilities to get involved in the sport.

Funding for the scheme came via a £150,000 grant from British Cycling's allocation of funding from Sport England's Community Club Development Programme and a further £10,000 from the council's Cycling Demonstration Town Project.

Stewart Kellett, regional director for Sport England in the North West, said: "The changes to the track will ensure that everyone from casual cyclists to potential Olympians will be catered for and I look forward to the venue playing a major role in the continued development of cycling across Lancashire and the North West."