Final countdown for Staffordshire's newest bike trail

With only three months to go until the West Midlands’ newest mountain bike trail is launched on the Forestry Commission estate at Cannock Forest, near Rugeley, the organisers have put out a final call for volunteers to help get the trail finished in time. From 10am until 4pm on Sunday 3 January 2010, volunteers will be encouraged to help complete the final sections of the mountain bike trail at Cannock Forest. Children and dogs must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The 'Big Build Day' is being arranged by Chase Trails volunteers. Chase Trails is a group of local mountain bikers who have already given up countless weekends and raised thousands of pounds to help enhance the cycling facilities at Cannock Chase. Experts will be on hand to offer guidance and instruction on trail building and safe working practices, so no experience is necessary. A barbecue lunch and refreshments will also be provided to satisfy all those healthy appetites. Rob Lamb from Chase Trails, says: "The progress we've made has been incredible and in January we'll be starting work on the final section of trail that will link the new trail to our existing trail network. It's a really exciting time as we approach our Easter launch date." Anyone interested in supporting the project or joining the Chase Trails volunteer group should call Rob Lamb on 07951 135506, visit www.chasetrails.co.uk or check out their new blog for all the latest news and trail building information at www.chasetrails.blogspot.com. Those interested in volunteering for the 'Big Build Day' in January should meet at Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre, Birches Valley, Cannock Chase. Tools are provided, but people can bring along their favourite spade. Sturdy footwear and suitable outdoor clothing is also advised. The new bike trail is part of a £200,000 project to improve the visitor facilities at the Forestry Commission's Cannock Forest and will involve developing some new look features added to existing routes. Cross-country, downhill and leisure trails will all benefit from the revamp. Jason Maclean, Environment Manager for the Forestry Commission at Cannock Forest, says: "The January Big Build Day is a great opportunity for people to get outdoors and get active after Christmas by helping to build the final sections of the trail and keeping us on track for our Easter launch date." The Project is being steered into action with the help of the Chase Trails volunteer group, cycle manufacturer - Giant UK, Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre, Staffordshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme, Staffordshire County Council, the Sport England Community Investment Fund and the Forestry Commission. Chase Trails volunteers and partners have raised over £60,000 for the project, £28,000 of which came from the Staffordshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme. Sport England's West Midlands Regional Sports Board (RSB) recently awarded the initiative £130,800 from the National Lottery funded Community Investment Fund. For more information on cycle hire at Cannock Forest, contact Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre on 01889 575170 or visit www.bikechase.co.uk