TOP snowboarders and freestyle skiers from across the UK will descend on Rossendale this weekend for the British Artificial Boarder/Skiercross Championships.

It will be the first time the dry slopes in Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, have hosted the national competition where skiers and snowboarders will compete against the clock down a challenging course over jumps and tight turns.

It will be followed by a Big Air competition where participants will perform tricks over five to 20-metre jumps.

The snowboarders will take to the slopes from 11am to 12.30pm on Saturday, followed by the Big Air between 12.30pm and 5pm. The skiing will take place on Sunday from 11am to noon with the Big Air until 4pm. Registration for both days will start at 9am.

Free one-hour snowboard or ski lessons with a qualified instructor are available for beginners this weekend to join in the winter sport. For more details, visit www.orangeaimseries.com or call 07843 209 846 from tomorrow.