Teenage speedway sensation Kyle Bickley will be backed by a West Cumbrian firm as he makes the step up to the National League next year.

Cleator Moor company Kirkland Carpets and Bed Centre will be a key sponsor of 500cc British Youth Champion Kyle, of Workington, during the 2017 season under the new Team Kirkland Carpets brand.

Former speedway rider Mitch Graham is managing Kyle and said he had never seen a deal like it for someone just 14 years old, with the company keen to work closely with the youngster to give him the best chance of success.

He said: “They’re focused on this lad because they know his potential.

“We’re thankful they’ve got behind us because speedway is very expensive.

“This enables Kyle to have the best engines and equipment so it will get the most out of his ability to ride.

“It shows you what other people are thinking of him, the whole of speedway is watching this kid.”

Kyle’s dad Tony added: “Having a setup better than anyone else in the National League will give him confidence.

“It’s a lot of pressure and you want him to have the best chance of doing as well as he can.”

The top prospect is a double world champion and won five of the eight rounds in this year’s 500cc British Youth Championship.

He also won awards for young sporting hero and young achiever in last year’s West Cumbria Community Heroes awards.

Kirkland Carpets and Bed Centre was started by long-time speedway fan Michael Dunsmoir, who recently celebrated 34 years in business.

It is now run by his sons Alistair and Andrew, along with Andrew’s wife Jacky, who have all supported Workington Comets since speedway returned to Workington in 1999.

The family-run firm was the first ever main sponsor for Workington Comets in 2000 and has had a long association with the sport so Alistair hopes that this experience will help Kyle have the best season possible.

He added: “Kyle is a local young lad so we’ve got on board to try and push his profile up a bit in British speedway.

“It’s a sport very dominated by foreign youngsters and the British riders coming through are few and far between.

“With Kyle showing a lot of potential at such a young age, it seemed like a good thing to be a part of.”