WORK has begun on the building of a track at Matterley Basin, near Winchester, in readiness for the British Motocross Grand Prix on June 17 and 18.

Over 10,000 fans are expected then and, in September, it will be the venue for the "Motocross of Nations" - the sport's equivalent of soccer's World Cup.

Following objections from residents and countryside protection groups, city planners have refused permission for a permanent circuit with jumps, landscaping and a paddock area.

But that won't prevent the events going ahead because current law allows the land to be used for such purposes on 14 days a year.

Organiser, Steve Dixon, who runs a motorcycling team in Swanmore, said the track would be cleared after the Grand Prix and reassembled in September.

He remains critical of the city council's "nimby" attitude, pointing out that the events were likely to generate millions in tourist income to the Winchester area.

Edinburgh-based Johnny Douglas Hamilton, who created off-road circuits at Matcham's Park, Ringwood, and Arreton, on the Isle of Wight, is designing the track.

He and his team have marked out the circuit in a natural amphitheatre close to Cheesefoot Head and the Matterley Bowl - which is due to host the Hi:Fi music festival at the end of this month.

For further details about the motocross events, visit www.britmxgrandprix.com.