Craig Cook became a British Champion at last as he dominated the final at Belle Vue tonight.

The Workington Comets and Great Britain captain was the early favourite to come out on top and he dropped just one point in his five heats to qualify for the final.

Cleator-based Cook looked like becoming a four-time runner-up when he missed the start and his Belle Vue team-mate Steve Worrall dived for the inside line.

But Cook wound it on to burst to the front and from then the result was never in doubt.

The delight and relief was etched on his face as his win sunk in in front of a bumper crowd and the BT Sport television cameras.

He said: "It's been a long time coming and to do it in that style, I didn't get it on a plate.

"Stevie's a trapper and I was half tempted to take gate two because I knew what he'd do, I knew he'd clamp me.

"I took a gamble on the gate with a little bit more grip on it but it didn't work out."

Cook paid tribute to his dad Will and sponsors after the meeting as thoughts turned to his upcoming wild card appearance in the British Grand Prix and August's GP Challenge.

"I've worked extremely hard, this is my life," he added.

"My team and I will be working extremely hard together.

"I want to be World Champion."