Meldrum back with home town club.

Berwick's preparations for the new season took one more vital step to completion on Wednesday with the signing of one of the most successful speedway riders to actually come out of the town of Berwick upon Tweed, and he is the Local Hero, 28-year-old David Meldrum.

This return to his home club marks only one of several comebacks in the Borders, but it's believed this is the one that will really count as he is in determined mood to make this season his most successful to date.

He's a rider soaked in Berwick Speedway as his Uncle Andy rode for the Bandits between 1969 and 1973, as well as Sunderland. His first experience of speedway was at Berwick's old circuit out at Berrington Lough on a 125cc machine as a very young child.

"It's great to have this local lad back in our ranks - where he truly belongs," Said Berwick boss Peter Waite, "and the club as one thoroughly believe this will be his best season yet. David knows this club, the way it's run and all of it's supporters inside out, so it's a very comfortable place for him to ride and that can only produce great success."

That leaves only one place to fill, and it's a tricky one as it's the C-grade reserve to join Craig Branney in the reserve births. That position is likely to be filled during Saturday evening's press and practice session when several talented youngsters have been invited along to see who can perform best.