A GROUP of school children got a sneak preview of a brand new cycle trail to be launched this weekend.

Cambo First School pupils happily boarded their bikes to road test one of the new routes around the Wallington estate.

Headteacher Paula Cummings said the children had really enjoyed themselves.

“Their parents took them and they had a brilliant time because there’s nowhere really safe to ride their bikes around here, so they’re looking forward to going back,” she said.

The new ‘Dragon’ cycle trail features two routes – the 1.5km green trail is perfect for beginners while the 4km blue trail features challenges along the way.

The trail name was inspired by the four stone griffin heads on the lawn at Wallington and the route design resembles a dragon’s head – complete with teeth, brow and tail.

General manager at Wallington Sally Richards said: “Wallington is already a great place for families to spend time together. The launch of this new, family- friendly cycle trail brings an additional, year-round activity they can enjoy.”

To mark the trail’s opening, Wallington is holding a host of cycling activities on Sunday and Monday.

From 11am to 4pm on both days, visitors will be able to put a range of bikes, including electric bikes, tandems and balance bikes, through their paces; use pedal power to race cars around a Scalextric track; see Penny Farthings and unicycles in action and drop in to expert cycling skills workshops.