KINVER Action Group are close to raising the £23,500 required to completely replace a popular bike track used by youngsters.

The track, at the back of Marsh Playing Fields, is so well used that it has had to be repaired several times since it first opened in 2009.

It is hoped work on the project will be able to start next spring as the group are just £1,500 short of their target.

The bulk of the money has come from the Big Lottery's Award's For All programme and a substancial contribution from the Ken Wrigley Memorial Trust.

Further money has arrived from the Anthony and Gwendoline Wylde Memorial Trust and a donation from County Councillor Brian Edward's Community Fund.

Margaret Rogers from the action group said: "The new track promises to be a bit more challenging and adventurous, but it will still cater for younger riders. I've seen youngsters using the bike track before they even go to school and the weather doesn't seem to deter them.

"Once the work has been completed, we hope to hold some events there."