JAMES Shanes described as "a dream come true" his move to Poole Pirates.

The Puddletown-based rider was unveiled earlier this week as part of the Dorset outfit's 2017 roster for the SGB Premiership.

Shanes had a glorious year which included winning the European Grasstrack Championship and now wants to show what he’s got on his home track.

He said: “It’s a dream. For them to ring and tell me they wanted me was a shock.

“I’m delighted I get to ride for my local team. In speedway terms, it’s like playing for Manchester United or Arsenal. It’s a dream come true and I can’t wait to start the season."

The 19-year-old impressed with Kent in the National League last season and now steps into the sport’s top-flight with a two-point average.

Shanes understands it will be a huge learning curve for him but it is one he is relishing.

The teenager added: “Matt (Ford) has said that there is no pressure on me and that he wants me to enjoy the experience and learn from it.

“The only pressure that I will have will come from myself and I want to prove that it is the right decision to put me in.

“The riders may have that little bit of knowledge that I lack and that could help with some of my problems.

“Everyone at the club is very experienced – including the management – and they could hold the keys to getting more out of me and giving me a bigger future.”

Shanes could be forgiven for keeping his other commitments on the backburner for 2017 but he has other ideas.

“I’m going to be doing all of the same things as I did last season,” he added.

“I’ve just qualified for the Longtrack GP so, hopefully, I will be riding that, National League and some grasstrack too.

“It’s going to be busy and tiring year but I will give it a go and see what happens.”