A DYNAMIC Caldicot cyclist re-opened a derelict cycle track in an attempt to encourage youngsters to start exercising.

Rob Absalom, with the help of fellow members of East Newport Speedway Cycling Club, spent a tough 18 months digging out the racing track, pulling up weeds and clearing the undergrowth.

And with the speedway track, behind Larch Grove, Underwood, officially opening tomorrow, the determination has paid off.

Mr Absalom, 41, founder of the club, said: "The aim is to get kids away from their PlayStations and out into the open air.

"Not everyone is into sports like football and cricket, so something like this is ideal."

On Saturday the mayor is to open the 64-metre oval track, which was originally opened in the 1980s and has not been used for more than 15 years.

Mr Absalom, of St Anne's Crescent, Undy, who used to race for Newport, said youngsters have already turned up in droves to have a go on the cycle speedway.

And about 30 children have joined East Newport Cycle Speedway Club in the past few weeks.

He said: "There is such an interest in cycle speedway racing in Newport at the moment.

"It seemed like such a waste that the track was not being used. "We went down with a spade and wheelbarrow and it snowballed from there."

The team was given £1,600 for the project from local companies, and Bishton community council donated £100 for the club to register with the Welsh Cycling Union.

But they are still looking for money to enable them to build a safety fence around the track.

To mark the opening, which begins at 1pm, a cycling competition will also be held at the track on Saturday.

Riders from as far away as Birmingham will make the journey down to compete.

Former Welsh champion Nigel Clarke will also be there to celebrate the occasion, along with Welsh team manager Dave Murphy. East Newport Cycle Speedway club opened two years ago. It is open to people of any age and membership is free.

For more information call Rob Absalom on 01633 881846.