White doves and a weather girl got Broomfield BMX track off to a flyer on Sunday when hundreds flocked to ride in the sun.

What once was a rubbish tip is now officially the first regional standard racing track in Kent and one of the finest in England.

Kaddy Lee-Preston got the launch party underway, helping to release 20 doves owned by Jo Taylor who lives down the road in Broomfield.

The BBC weather presenter then donned helmet and gloves and sportingly enjoyed a lap of the circuit alongside youngsters Emily Mackay and Emily Vickery-Jones.

A demonstration by expert bikers of the East Kent BMX Club followed while members of the public also took the chance for a pedal with some bikers travelling from as far as Bournemouth and Essex just to do so.

* For more on this story and to see more pictures, get this week's Herne Bay Gazette out on Thursday