The start of the new season looks clearer for speedway racer Adam Roynon after the sport's British bosses confirmed their intention to resume racing in May.

Roynon, who is from Dalton, signed for Newcastle Diamonds late last year with a view to getting back in the saddle after last year's action was halted by coronavirus.

The former Workington Comets rider will have hope that this campaign will be different after the British Speedway Promoters confirmed wheels should be turning from May 1.

A statement from the promoters said: "British Speedway clubs have agreed a start date of early May for the 2021 season.

"Plans are in place for a new concept in both leagues with more details to follow.

"The plans have been made to adapt to the current situation regarding Polish restrictions on the amount of leagues riders can race in, plus the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic.

"There is a clear pathway for the development of British Speedway and young British riders, not just in 2021 but in the years ahead.

"In addition, whilst there is disappointing news about losing Swindon and Somerset for 2021, these decisions have been made by these clubs to protect their futures from 2022 onwards.

"They will be welcomed back into the sport next year.

"Another club has expressed an interest in joining the Championship and this will be explored in due course."

British Speedway also revealed a new 'five-year plan' to focus on handing opportunities to British youngsters.

Every club in the Championship must include a 'rising star' in their team, which will be built up to 39-points for six riders plus a youngster graded two stars or below or 38 points plus a rider with a grade of three stars and below.

The plan is to increase the young British riders in teams to two from 2022 onwards.

British Speedway Promoters Ltd chairman Rob Godfrey said: "We want to see riders develop from youth level to league racing and ultimately to the national team.

“We have a host of talented young riders desperate to make a career out of the sport and we are going to work closely with them to present them opportunities at league level to supplement the excellent work of Neil Vatcher and academies coaching them. British speedway is coming back and I, for one, cannot wait for the warmer weather, brighter nights and sound of bikes warming up.”