Workington Comets have completed their 2017 line-up with a sensational return for West Cumbrian star Craig Cook.

Cook, of Cleator, was revealed as the club’s new No.1 at a fans’ forum last night, with fellow Cumbrians Adam Roynon and Rob Shuttleworth and Australian racer Ty Proctor also confirmed.

They join Matt Williamson, Thomas Jorgensen and Mason Campton to complete Comets’ septet.

Club owner Laura Morgan said: "Everybody really will be coming in on a false average and I'm really feeling positive about this team, I'm excited about it.

"We've got a team here that desperately wants to win."

Supporters have long clamoured for Cook’s return, having watched him win three Premier League titles with Edinburgh and scale the division’s averages list.

The 29-year-old, who comes in on a hefty 9.83 average, needs no introduction to Comets fans after beginning his second tier career with the club.

He left in 2010, enjoying spells with Peterborough and the Edinburgh Monarchs and clinching the division’s Riders Championship in 2012.

Cook also helped Belle Vue to the Elite League play-offs final last season and has British Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup laps under his belt.

"Craig's reputation goes before him and he's got to be considered one of, if not, the best riders in British speedway at the moment," Morgan said.

"This has been a long time coming and he should never have gone in the first place in my opinion.

"Obviously he's going to be a very popular choice at No.1."

Fans favourite Roynon, of Dalton, will be a welcome returnee on a 5.12 average after a steady Derwent Park comeback saw him have a rare injury-free campaign.

Morgan added: "We've got Adam coming back on a very attractive average for his potential and experience and he'll be in the main body of the team.

"A lot of Adam's problems last year were mechanical, so hopefully that's been addressed.

"Hopefully, last year can be a springboard and I do think he's capable of putting points on his average."

Proctor initially signed for Comets last winter before dropping out of the side before the start of the season.

He is back on a 6.68 average and Morgan is confident he will prove he wants to ride for Workington.

She said: "Ty did let us down last year but he sat the year out and it does appear he's done the right thing.

"He's lost a stone and a half and is in great shape.

"He's so keen to come back and all he wants to do is win races."

Shuttleworth, of Askam, has been on Comets’ radar for some time, with the club chasing him for guest bookings last season.

Morgan added: "Rob is absolutely delighted to be riding for his local club and he comes in on a 2.00 average, which is something that we needed this year.

"He's an attractive prospect who is ready to ride in the Premier League and is another one who will put points on his average."

Morgan also paid tribute to her brother and co-promoter Steve Whitehead for his hard work behind the scenes to put a strong team together on a sustainable budget.