A 23-YEAR-OLD BMX professional rider from Blackburn has taken centre stage at a major music festival in Copenhagen.

Mike Curley, from Carlinghurst Road, was invited to perform his BMX stunts at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark as part of their arts line-up.

This year the week-long festival features top names in the music industry including Red Hot Chili Peppers, New Order, Tame Impala and Wiz Khalifa.

Mr Curley, who is a freestyle BMX rider, said: “I’ve been riding since I was 14, I just love the freedom that I have when I’m on a bike, it allows me to be really creative.

“I was really pleased when I was approached to take part in the Roskilde Festival, it’s a big event in the music industry and it’s great to be able to show my BMX skills to another audience.”

His success has seen him pick with sponsorship deals with Wethepeople Bike Co, Odyssey bike companies and Animal clothing range.

Another passion of the Blackburn College student is photography, and he has had his work showcased in the college’s Made Great in Britain annual exhibition, which is open to the public until Wednesday, July 29.

Mr Curley his love of photography has come from taking pictures while out riding.

He said: “When I was out on my bike I started taking photographs of things I saw, other riders. After a while I started taking my camera out without my bike. I’d never really thought of studying photography before but I knew the tutor and he suggested coming to the college.

“For my exhibition I carried out a series of portraits of people from around Blackburn town centre.”

He is now planning to continue his two passions by undertaking a photography degree at the University Centre at Blackburn College.

He said: “Ideally I would like to continue riding and taking photographs. I think they go together really well. Both are very creative disciplines and allow me to have the freedom.”