Teenage speedway champion Kyle Bickley has pledged his future to Belle Vue.

Kyle, 13, of Sarsfield Road, Workington, has signed a letter of intent to join the club when he turns 15.

The Workington Academy pupil is currently the world 125cc champion and is regarded as one of Great Britain’s brightest future talents.

Kyle’s dad Tony said the club’s new multi-million pound National Stadium was a major attraction.

He added: “It’s everything a young speedway rider could want.

“It’s exciting. They’re like the Manchester United of speedway.

“The new stadium looks fantastic and Kyle can’t wait to get out in it, he’ll fly around.”

The youngster is currently testing in Macon in the south of France ahead of another hectic speedway calendar.

Graham Goodwin, Belle Vue Colts’ co-boss, said: “We’ve been watching Kyle’s career unfold for the last couple of seasons and being a northern lad, he absolutely fits in with Belle Vue’s philosophy of working with and evolving local talent.

“The move to the new stadium has come at the right time for us and for him, and by the time next year comes around he’ll be 15 and will no doubt be in the running to join the Colts full-time.

“He’s a rider we rate very highly and in the meantime we’re confident he’ll be very much involved with the club in some other capacity, most likely with the Midland Development League boys.”