A TV PRESENTER and a passionate BMX rider from Tavistock have put their heads together to re-form the town's once popular West Devon Warriors BMX Club.

Broadcaster and former Tavistock College student Steve Wilson, 34, and Alan Ewell, 36, have been riding together for 25 years and are now determined to put the club back on the map, after it disbanded in the 90s.

Both riders have a long history in promoting, organising and participating in the South West's BMX scene, and are working closely with the former organisers of the club.

And thanks to the sport's boom in popularity since its inclusion in this year's Olympics, they hope that this will encourage people of any age to take up BMX racing.

The club ran from the 1980s through to the 1990s and for a while the club's riders used to train on a track in Brentor, kindly provided by a local farmer. But after it became too much money to keep the track in top condition, it was closed.

West Devon Warriors are now back in business and are aiming to raise funds for a BMX race facility in Tavistock.

But for the dream to become reality, the club is on the lookout for anyone interested in joining the club to race, plus anyone who can provide sponsorship of any kind.

Steve, who has recently returned to Tavistock to live, said: 'In the 90s there were 60 members in the club and they were desperate for somewhere to ride and it was a shame they had to go to the other side of the moor or Exmoor to train.

'It would be amazing to have somewhere to train in Tavistock.

'My biggest vision is to get a race track in Tavistock which has some wooden ramps for BMX riders.

'For BMX riders it is so difficult to ride on metal as it is incredibly slippery — they would prefer to ride on concrete or wood.

'Most professional skate parks are either concrete, which is more expensive but better in the long run, or wood, which takes a lot of upkeep.'

Steve said BMX riding was not just for youngsters — anyone could get involved.

'By the time the Olympics in 2012 are being held, the sport will be around 40 years old — it's not brand new, and now it's an Olympic sport its popularity is getting bigger,' he said.

With new sports facilities being installed around Tavistock, including the Trim Trail in the Meadows, the new athletics track and all weather pitch currently under construction at Tavistock College, Steve said how much he would like BMX racing to be involved in the town's plan.

'This is a really exciting time for Tavistock as there are so many opportunities for people to take part in sport.

'It would be a shame if BMX racing couldn't be included.'

For more information on the club email [email protected]">[email protected]