CRADLEY Heathens have announce Bradley Andrews as their first signing ahead of the 2016 campaign.

The talented youngster lives in New Zealand but holds a British passport and will make his National League bow with the club next March.

Andrews, 17, will follow in the footsteps of grandfather Bob, who rode for the club for four seasons between 1968 and 1972.

The teenage ace, who recently completed his A Level exams and will officially leave school next week, is thrilled to be fulfilling a lifelong ambition of riding in the UK.

“I’m over the moon.” Andrews said. “When I was five I started school and speedway in the same week. Now my exams are finished and to sign with Cradley at virtually the same time is unbelievable.

“Every year the new teacher would ask the class what they wanted to do when they left school. I always said I wanted to be a speedway rider, and after having to explain what speedway was I’d always have the teacher stare disinterested back at me.

“To now be heading over the England to ride for Cradley is a great feeling and I can’t wait to get started.”

Andrews, who has British parents born in Wolverhampton and London, will start the season at reserve for Will Pottinger’s side.

Promoter Gary Patchett has revealed how Andrews first caught their eye on a trip to the UK riding second halves a few years ago – and he is delighted to have him on board for the 2016 season.

“We're very pleased to have been able to secure Bradley's signature,” Patchett said. “We first saw him rider over here a couple of years ago and even back then we were very impressed with him.

“It's not easy keeping tabs on a rider who lives on the other side of the world but he's one we've had on the radar since we first saw him ride and we are delighted to have him in our team for next season.

“He is totally committed to his speedway career and he and his family have been a delight to deal with. He’s going to come over with good equipment and we are hoping he can enjoy a good first season in British speedway.

“He has a family connection with the Heathens through his paternal grandfather Bob, who rode for the Heathens between 1968 and 1972 in two separate spells, so it’s great to see Bradley following in his footsteps to ride for us all these years later.”