PIRATES have unveiled a new crest for 2018 – the year in which the club will celebrate its 70th anniversary.

The logo takes the current skull and crossbones design and places it on a black shield backing.

Poole's traditional blue and white colours feature prominently and there is reference to 1948, the year the club was established.

Pirates promoter Matt Ford told the club website: "I am absolutely delighted to reveal the new Pirates crest ahead of a season of celebration.

"Mick Peek was introduced to me by a mutual friend, musician Billy Duffy of The Cult, and after watching one meeting he was hooked. 

"The crest he has designed is a real statement of intent, both in terms of the club's illustrious history and its exciting future."

Peek added: "When Matt started talking about his plans to reinvigorate the merchandise operation, I was really excited to get involved. 

"For the 70th anniversary badge, I felt an evolution rather than a revolution was important and think we have created something which will stand the test of time."

Ford intends to make Pirates' anniversary year a special one.

Plans are already in place for a meeting on Friday, March 23 at which hall of famers Tony Rickardsson and Mark Loram are due to make a one-off return to the shale.

Rickardsson is a six-time world title winner, while Loram was the first global champion to represent Pirates.

In revealing the news in July, Ford told the Daily Echo: "It's going to be so exciting to have two absolute legends with us and both will be taking to the track again.

"It is very special that two of the biggest names in Poole's history have agreed to celebrate with the club on its platinum anniversary.

"Both guys will also be there for a gala dinner as well, which we are going to hold on the same weekend.

"We're hoping to announce a very competitive field for the meeting and names will be revealed in due course."