FIVE South Lakeland dads have come together to set up a campaign to raise £100,000 for a new BMX race track for Kendal.

The members of Kendal and South Lakes BMX Club were all once BMX racers and are trying to bring what is known as a regional standard track to the town, through fundraising, sponsorship and lottery grants.

The type of track they want would form part of a network in the North of England, which is currently made up of 13 clubs and tracks – all of which are south of Preston.

Stuart Parker, from Windermere, who set the wheels rolling for the campaign, said: “It was kind of my idea really. It all started as five dads wanting a BMX racetrack for their own kids but has now turned into us wanting to do it for us dads too.”

A regional track is a higher standard of track and it’s hoped it could boost the local economy, by attracting people from all over the region for race weekends to represent their clubs.

BMX Racing is currently thriving after appearing in the Olympics in 2008 and 2012 and despite this increased popularity, there are no tracks between Preston and Glasgow.

Next step for the group is meeting with South Lakeland District Council to discuss land and planning permission and then the real fundraising will start.

“I think having the racetrack here will be good both socially and economically. It gives kids in the area a chance to be part of a supportive club and will build up their confidence,” said Mr Parker.

“Economically it will be good for Kendal as it will attract people from all over the country to the area, lovers of the sport and competitors.”

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, who is backing the campaign, said: “I am supporting the campaign and I hope that they can work with the council and then bring businesses and sponsorship together.

“I know that if they can do that we could all work to secure lottery funding for the scheme. If we can do this it will build on our success in building a skatepark. I’ve long campaigned to improve facilities for young people in Kendal and I will back the campaign in any way I can.”

A Facebook page has already attracted over 2,000 likes, to show your support visit https:// www.facebook.com/kendalbmxracetrack.