Heckmondwike Cycle Speedway Club have two new signings ahead of the new season, which starts next month.

Bury's Tom Whitwam, who, at the ripe old age of ten, is already a team champion in the Northern League and Manchester League and a runner-up in the British Youth League.

Also joining is 17-year-old Polish rider Sandrsa Tamborksa from Sheffield, who rode well last year in the Women's World Championship in Australia.

Heckmondwike's first home match of the season is on Sunday, March 16 against Hull - but it will be a sombre affair as the hosts mark the passing of the club's inspirational founder and former chairman Jeffrey Layden, who died at the beginning of the year.

He started the club 43 years ago, along with a few others, and played a large part in getting the funding to build the track and facilities at Firth Park in 1983.

Jeffrey retired as chairman two years ago but still turned up at every home match to do the announcing and hand trophies out.

Heckmondike Cycle Speedway Club, who are holding pre-season training sessions for the next two Sundays (2pm) and have regular sessions on Wednesdays (7.30pm-9pm), are looking for further new riders for 2014 - whether to race or just keep fit.

Training sessions are free and open to children aged from seven upwards and to all adults.

Bikes, helmets and gloves are provided free of charge, and further information is available from Justin Naylor on 07799-367370.

The track (postcode WF16 0HH) is at the end of Heckmondwike Health Centre's car park, opposite Morrisons Supermarket.