A BMX club in Andover has officially switched on its new track floodlights, to allow for training to take place later. 

Located at the Charlton Leisure Park, the Andover BMX track was first established in 1996 and has seen several changes and improvements over the years.

Most recently, fundraising by Andover BMX Club members has resulted in the installation of floodlights around the track, for evening events and training sessions.

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The lights were switched on during a day of racing at the club which attracted over 150 riders from all over the south and beyond.

The club lodged an application with Test Valley Borough Council to bring forward the time that the lights at the track can be switched on.

It stated that a condition previously implemented of 5pm to 9pm is “unworkable” and it is requested that the lights can be on from dusk until 9pm.

In May council planning chiefs granted approval.

The event, which was held on Saturday, December 2, was supported by live DJs, with the light switch-on itself announced by Andover Town Council deputy mayor, Cllr Jason Sangster. 

Cllr Sangster said: "It is an honour and a pleasure to be present for this event, and what an event it is.

"I was here when they originally built this track and provided a lesson on how not to ride a bike. It's great to see it has become a big part of our community and a great place to be active and have fun."

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The lights were switched on by former BMX World Champion Sarah Jane Nichols, who has had a huge amount of national press coverage this year due to her triumphant return to racing, as well as her work raising awareness of the mental health benefits of sports to counter some of the symptoms of menopause.

She was accompanied in switching on the lights by one of the club's youngest female riders before racing got back underway late into the evening.

The track in Andover is one of a handful in the South of England that conforms to British Cycling standards for regional-level BMX racing and regularly hosts events as well as frequent "club" level races.