Last updated at 12:01, Monday, 22 October 2012

Workington Comets have been saved. The speedway team’s future had been in jeopardy after owner Keith Denham announced he was pulling out at the end of the season.

Laura Morgan

But Laura Morgan, of Crosby, who has been a fan since the 1970s, has come forward to save the team and keep speedway in Workington.

The announcement was made before Saturday’s meeting against Newcastle.

Morgan, who was paralysed by a car accident five years ago, will use compensation money received after the crash to fund Comets through her company LJM Asset Management.

She will be promoter, with current team manager Tony Jackson as co-promoter. Jackson will also continue as team manager.

Morgan’s brother Steve Whitehead, who is also a director of the business, will be general manager.

If the team is a success they will look to carry it on after two years. She said: “We want to make sure speedway stays in Workington but we can’t do it without the supporters.

“The fans need to promote speedway to their friends because the money we have is not a bottomless pit.

“We’re totally committed to running the speedway initially for two years but my vision is for five years.

“We’ve already done a deal with the rugby club for the next two years and next season we want to put together the Comets one to seven that will challenge for the title.

“We’re also going to reduce admission prices and in return we want everyone to help us promote speedway in any way possible.”

LJM Asset Management will take over Comets after next week’s final meeting of the season against Berwick.

“The fans need to promote speedway to their friends because the money we have is not a bottomless pit.”

First published at 19:12, Saturday, 20 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk