A MOTOCROSS track where kids can ride without having to worry about being moved on by the police has got off to a flying start.

Owner Jay Archer, 20, of Woodberry Road, Wickford, spent the last three weeks digging holes and piling up mounds of earth to create the 17 jumps dotted around the Morelands MX Motocross track, in Morelands Industrial Estate, Rettendon.

He was thrilled all hard graft proved worthwhile, as the track was buzzing all weekend with speed demons of all ages, from seven to 60 years-old.

He said: "Motocross is getting really popular again. It isn't just the boys either. We've had four or five girls come along too."

Mr Archer explained he got the idea for opening a motocross track because his younger brother kept getting into trouble through riding his motorbike, where he was not supposed to - in Shotgate Fields and around Runwell Hospital.

He said: "I knew he only did it because there were no proper tracks around here. It was the same for his mates, who all had bikes, but nowhere to ride them.

"Hopefully if the kids know they can come here, it will cut out a lot of antisocial riding.

"I've had a lot of calls from dads, who said it'll keep their sons out of trouble."

Mr Archer has been a motocross enthusiast since he was eight and was lucky enough to have a dad who would drive him far and wide to races.

But he said: "The nearest full size tracks were miles away in Harlow or Kent, and a lot of parents don't have time to take their kids all that way.

"That's a shame because riding was really good for me. A lot of my friends used to get into trouble, because they had nothing to do and just used to hang around.

"I always had to get home to clean my bike and get it ready for racing. My dad would always say if I was naughty he wouldn't take me to motocross."

The site has a beginners track next to the main circuit and riders of any age are welcome.

Mr Archer said: "It will get better as people use it more. Tracks get faster, as the ground breaks up under the wheels.

"We've got 17 jumps here which is quite a lot. If riders really go for it they can jump 15 feet in the air."

After speeding around the track for the first time, one of the younger riders Ryan Stockwell, eight, said: "I like jumping best. I can jump about as high as my dad's van sometimes."

Levi Moore, 15, of Egbert Gardens, Wickford, came along with his dad Warren, 39.

Levi said: "I used to just field ride with my mates, because there was nothing to do and we had to do something. This track will be brilliant because it means we've got somewhere to go.

"My dad rides too and it's something we really like to do together. We've got to know each other a lot better."

Warren said: "When we get home from riding, we're both buzzing all night. It gives you something better to talk about than EastEnders."

* The track will open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. It costs £25 for adults and £15 for under 16s, but Mr Archer will let kids ride for free if they spend a day picking up litter or marshalling.To book a ride call 07940 467655.