HUMPS, bumps and jumps are all the rage with young people letting off steam at Odiham Moto Park.

Youngsters are able to burn rubber at Down Farm, just outside of the village, thanks to a controversial motocross park built in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.

Robert Benford has built a motocross track on his 400-acre farm. The track is used throughout the winter.

The racing will come to an end on February 16, when the track is ploughed up in preparation to grow barley.

Mr Benford said he is delighted with the popularity of the park with adults and young people.

He even held an open day last week in a bid to educate youngsters that the sport can be fun.

Mr Benford said: "With all the emphasis of getting kids off street corners and encouraging them to be involved in sport, we feel it's a very positive thing to be doing."

In June last year, the former Hart District Council leader and ex-councillor for Odiham won an appeal against a noise abatement order after the council turned down his application to run a motocross park.

Mr Benford fought a hard battle and can run his park, but has to comply with some strict restrictions.

He said: "There's a balance between the social benefit of providing this recreational facility, which is mainly for young people, and the impact locally.

"The motocross park is open from 10am until 5pm, stopping for an hour for lunch, 20 Saturdays and eight week days each year.

"The track is also 600 metres from the nearest house in any direction, which fits in with Sport England's guidelines."

Anyone with a suitable motocross bike and protective clothing is welcome to use the track.

"We test the bike to make sure it's not too noisy and check they've got the right kit - then they can ride," said Mr Benford.

Jack Morrison, 13, travelled all the way from Havant to try out Odiham Moto Park on his Suzuki RM85 on the track.

He said: "There is nowhere I can ride in my area - if I do, I'll get into trouble.

"At least here, it keeps me off the streets."

Zak Warner, eight, from Finchampton is set to start racing with the Slough Aces next week.

He said: "It's a good track. When it's dry it's really good, but when it's wet it's hard to get around corners."

It costs £20 to use the track, which was designed and built by former British motocross champion Greg Hanson.

He runs a Motocross Racing Academy based in High Wycombe, and this winter has brought his young team to practise on the track.

Mr Hanson said he has seen the benefits for himself of young people getting involved in the sport.

"I'm working with youngsters who are dedicated to their sport," he added.

"If they didn't have the interest of this sport, who knows where they would have gone."