Students in Penzance have been testing a new cycling track that has opened at their school.

The new community cycle track at Mounts Bay Academy has opened as part of a project to encourage more people to take up cycling.

Cornwall Council has joined forces with British Cycling through its Places to Ride scheme to provide match funding for nine community cycle tracks in schools throughout Cornwall – dedicated facilities which provide safe environments for cyclists of all abilities.

A similar cycle track at Stratton Primary School opened earlier this year and work is reportedly progressing well on the remaining eight.

The video below shows Mounts Bay Academy students and expert riders, Sienna and Bibi, taking an inaugural spin round the track.

Philip Desmonde, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: "These facilities are a fantastic boost for cycling in Cornwall, particularly as we ‘gear up’ to host the Tour of Britain’s Grand Depart stage in September.

"This project is about encouraging confidence and helping people – particularly young cyclists – to develop their bike handling skills.

"Being at the heart of their local communities, schools are the ideal location for these tracks."

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Neil Eddy, school games organiser at Mounts Bay Academy, said: "We are super excited about the completion of our new cycling pump track.

"The opening of the track took place in our Project Week, one of the themes was transport where pupils had the opportunity to ride the track and test ride some eBikes. 

"Our aim is to encourage students to be more active and where possible use green methods of transport.

"A big thank you to Cornwall Council and British Cycling for helping our students and community reignited their enthusiasm for cycling."

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Andy Farr, Head of Business Planning and Transformation at British Cycling, said: "Mounts Bay Academy is doing great work to get more people cycling in Cornwall so we are pleased to support their efforts to bring the community together and use the cycle track through Places to Ride. The track will be open for bookings soon."