The National Forest Cycle Centre, which will boast eight miles of off-road trails, is set to open on June 1.

The £1.5 million trail centre, based at Hicks Lodge, near Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, will have a café, bike hire and repair shop, while guided rides will take place throughout the first day, which kicks off with an opening ceremony at 11am.

The project also features a glass and timber building that uses the latest environmentally-friendly technology; heated by a wood chip boiler, generating energy through solar panels and recycling rainwater.

“The centre is going to be a great way to introduce families and beginners to easy, fun cycling in a beautiful environment,” said project co-ordinator Alan Leather.

“Youngsters will be able to learn to ride, practice their skills or even get started on racing, while families can enjoy the surfaced trails and explore the attractive woodlands.”

The centre, which will be run by Purple Mountain, has been developed by the National Forest Company and site-owners the Forestry Commission.

“This exciting new centre, designed especially for families, offers something unique and different from our other sites in the Midlands,” said Alan Dowell from the Forestry Commision.

“The extensive traffic-free trails and high quality facilities look set to be a big hit with a wide range of visitors to The National Forest.”

Vicky Griffin from Purple Mountain, who run trail centres in Dalby and Kielder Forests, added: “We are very excited to be working with the National Forest Company and can’t wait to see everyone get pedalling.”