JUBILANT Poole Pirates were praised on behalf of the town at a ceremony held at the Civic Centre.

Poole Mayor Cllr Peter Adams held a reception for the triumphant speedway team, formally congratulating them for their successful season.

Riders joined the mayor and other Borough of Poole members at a private reception in recognition of their outstanding success.

The Pirates topped the Elite League Championship for a sixth time. Council staff joined the team for the presentation of a specially commissioned Poole Pottery plate to celebrate their fantastic season.

“We are all terribly proud of Poole Pirates and their tremendous success,” said the Mayor.

“It is great to have such a fantastic team of local sportsmen whose achievements are a credit to our town.

“We were delighted to welcome the riders and other team members to the Civic Centre to celebrate their triumph this season.”

Matt Ford, owner and promoter of Poole Pirates said: “Everyone at Poole Speedway is delighted that their hard work and effort in retaining the Elite League Championship title has been recognised by the Mayor and the Borough of Poole.

“It is a great honour for me and the team to have been presented with this stunning commemorative plate, and work now starts on the planning for defending our title once again.”

The club’s sixth Elite League championship in 12 years was sealed at an exciting final against Coventry Bees at Wimborne Road in October. Defending league title holders, they won 53-37, finishing 90-71 on aggregate.