POOLE Pirates asset Ellis Perks has joined National League returnees Isle of Wight for the 2016 season.

The 18-year-old spent his debut campaign at third-tier Cradley and also featured for Premier League Scunthorpe.

Perks had earlier made his Pirates debut as a guest in a challenge meeting at Somerset in March, making three outings in the 45-45 draw.

Speaking to the Isle of Wight website, Warriors joint boss Barry Bishop said: “I have spoken with Ellis and we believe 2016 will be a big year for him.

"He rounded off a great season by finishing on a 7.14 average and next year we hope to see him continue his improvement and take his career up a further gear.

“We have set him personal and team targets and because he is young, exciting, determined and ready to make an impact, we are sure he will achieve them.”

Perks’s father Robbie is a former Speedway Control Bureau referee while his great uncle Dave was a fans’ favourite at Cradley in the 1970s and 1980s.