A NEW cycle track at Chalkwell Esplanade will be officially opened on Sunday to kick off National Bike Week throughout Southend.

Mayor Ann Holland will formally cut the ribbon to launch the new track as part of a series of events to promote cycling in Southend.

Council officials will also be highlighting the benefits of biking at Shoebury Fair, at Shoeburyness High School, on Saturday where children can have a go on a range of different bikes including mountain and BMX bikes.

The junior bikeathon, a one-mile charity sponsored cycle ride for children up to the age of 12, will also take place on Sunday. Starting at 9am, at Grosvenor Road, the trip will take youngsters around Chalkwell Esplanade at Chalkwell Station, to raise cash for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity.

Anyone interested in taking part should visit www.cycle southend.co.uk