A new multi-purpose track in Millom has officially opened.

Millom Community Track welcomed its first users to the new track on May 29 during a special day for the town.

Karen Hughes, chair of Millom Community Track, said: “It has been a rollercoaster since we started the fundraising.

“We have had a lot of people involved and to actually have it here, using it, is just amazing.

“It really is brilliant that we have managed to pull it off.”

Work started on the track at Millom School in March, taking just under three months to complete.

Since opening, the track has been packed with runners and cyclists, Karen revealed.

She said: “We have had nearly a full week coming up to the weekend.

“It is open from 5am and we have found that the most popular times are 5am, 6am and 7am.

“There are people using the track that we have never seen before, so there are some complete novices who are having a go.

“I was on it a couple of times – it is a different surface and we would like to recommend to people to get used to the track by walking and running on it before doing a full run.”

Karen has also stressed that residents need to book the track before using it, which can be done by visiting https://millomcommunitytrack.co.uk.

There is also now a defibrillator available at the site, helped by the donations from resident Doug Wilson.

Doug was present at the small opening event on Saturday alongside members of the town’s Business Improvement District, councillors and sponsors.

Karen has said there are plans for a big event once Covid restrictions allow.

With schools reopening next week, the track will be unavailable from 8am until 6pm as Millom School has priority.