One of the North-East's greatest speedway servants, Paul Bentley, is to be honoured with a testimonial. The Darlington-based 32-year-old is to have his career recognised with a special night featuring a line-up of the sport's stars next month at Berwick's Shielfield Park.

Bentley, nicknamed 'Banga', has been a constant feature of the North-East speedway scene for 15 years and the evening of racing will see several fellow stars of the sport take to the circuit.

England's Sean Wilson, Martin Dixon and multi-capped Gary Havelock, who is a former World Champion, have all agreed to appear while Newcastle Diamond's Kenneth Bjerre and Andre Compton will also ride.

Peterborough's Shane Parker and Glasgow's James Grieves are more recent additions to the bill, but joining Havelock on star-billing is fellow England international, Joe Screen.

The inclusion of Screen in the line-up is a major coup for Bentley who said: "Screeny's really up for this meeting, he's a massive talent and wants to come up and put on a great show for the crowd.

"He's the sort of rider who'll be worth the admission money on his own."

Bentley first made an impression on the sport back in 1987, aged 20, riding in reserve races at Newcastle's Brough Park and by the end of the season he had made enough of an impact to make five first team appearances.

But he did not figure much the following season and he began appearing in reserve races for Middlesbrough instead. However, he soon got his chance in the first team.

Middlesbrough were having a poor season and midway through a southern tour former captain Geoff Pusey was axed so Bentley made his debut in subsequent evenings.

He received a setback in 1992 when he broke his back in a grasstrack meeting in, France, and was flown back to England.

He was back in action in 1993 alongside Havelock at Bradford but the following season he dropped down to the second division and rejoined Middlesbrough where he was club skipper and No.1.

Since 1995 he has been with northern-based Premier League clubs where he's been a model of consistency featuring in his team's top two averages six years in a row.

He currently skippers the Berwick Bandits team who are among the favourites for the Premier League championship.

Taking place on September 28, there will be plenty of fun for the kids in a night of entertainment including motorcycle displays.

Whilst most of the 16 heats have now been sponsored, there are still a few left at £150 each. The recipients will receive free entry to the event, corporate hospitality and tickets to the after-meeting celebration to be held at The Swan Centre, Berwick, licensed for a late finish.

Prospective heat sponsors should contact any member of the Testimonial committee as soon as possible at Shielfield Park.

The souvenir match day magazine is also being put together, and any potential advertisers are being asked to contact Diane Blackshaws on (01665) 602123 as soon as possible.