KENT'S Lydden Circuit has been chosen as the venue for the opening round of a new British championship which hits the track for the first time on Saturday.

The ,British Winter Supermoto Championship described as rallycross for motorbikes, will be held on Lydden's rallycross circuit, which has a surface which varies between tarmac, chalk and shale.

The event has attracted stars from moto-cross and superbikes as well as supermoto.

These include the British Supermoto champion Warren Steele, Australian Supercross winner Kim Ashenkazi, British Motocross champion Paul Malin, British Superstock champion and T.T. winner Dave Jefferies and the land speed record-holder Jarrod Frost.

Many of the riders from the Lydden-based British Motor Cycle Racing Club will also be taking part, including Andy Denyer, Andy Notman, and former Lords of Lydden Danny Beaumont and Sam Corke, as well as Dover policeman Nigel Stevens.

There will be 25 races with at least 125 riders who will take part in heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals and then an Open Final or 450cc Final. The fastest 24 will then go through to a Superfinal.

Saturday practice starts at 9am, with the first race at 10am. The first of the finals will be at 1.45pm.

Admission is £5. Entry is free for paddock, parking and accompanied children.