A BMX track could be refurbished after councils supported suggestions from students to improve the facility in Burnham.

Ormiston Rivers Academy students Aaron Barthorpe, Brad Jennings and Nathaniel Head teamed up with Burnham town councillor Nick Skeens to redevelop the mud banks near the town’s skate park at Millfields.

The youngsters want to raise a team of volunteers to help rebuild the banks and sought permission from Maldon District Council.

Dozens of people have offered to help and meetings have taken place to try and make the hope a reality.

Maldon District Council granted permission for an upgrade but the next challenge is to find funding.

The youngsters want challenging runs in line with Olympic designs, with a surface of fine crushed limestone over compacted earth and 6mm tarmac over earth for the launch tops and ramps.

It is considered highly unlikely the council could provide funding for the project, but the council would support the ongoing mainteance.

Now work is taking place to secure funding including from Bradwell Power Station and the Essex County Trust.

Phil Charney, of BMX Dirtworks, will be inspecting the site in January to give a quote on how much it will cost.

After the quote is received the youngsters will work with representatives on applying for grants to try and raise the tens of thousands of pounds likely to be needed to make the changes.

Mr Skeens said: “The good news is the project is now heading in the right direction, the big question will be funding.

“Projects like this are ones for a community to be proud of. It will be great to create a really good quality facility for the BMX and other bike riders “Hopefully we can mix the advice we get from the BMX specialist with a group of people working together with the district council to make it for an affordable price. A skate park was built up recently in Essex for around £62,000. The Burnham skate park could potentially cost around the same, but that depends how much we can do ourselves with voluntary support and funding.

“If we can get the funding and support to do it properly it then it will be great, hopefully we can have it refurbished and ready by the school summer holidays next year.

“There is a real will in the community to roll up their sleeves and get cracking.”

Richard Holmes, director of customers and community at Maldon District Council, said: “It is ours and Burnham Town Council’s shared aspiration to create an improved facility for residents and visitors to the park.

“We welcome the enthusiasm and offers of assistance from people and, depending on the scope and scale of work, we look forward to working with them to improve the BMX track.”