The first piece of land was unearthed yesterday at the site of new speedway track in the region.

Former world speedway champion, Teesside-based Gary Havelock joined the crowd as the first bike made its way on to the track.

Joining in the celebrations were promoter Gareth Rogers along with local dignitaries, including cabinet member for economic development, Coun Vera Moody.

Work on the speedway track will get under way at the South Tees Motorsports Park, South Bank, on Monday after receiving backing from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Redcar and Cleveland Development Agency, which operates the park, has agreed a ten-year lease for the track.

The development will see the return of top-class speedway to the area after a decade-long absence.

It is hoped the new track, which will cost in the region of £100,000 ,will be finished in time for the start of the new season in March.

Mr Rogers said yesterday: "Today was a symbolic moment when we cut the first sod. It is certainly going to re-establish interest.

"We will be running a training school and hopefully we will find the next Gary Havelock."

Mr Rogers said the track will attract visitors from across England, as well as Scotland and Wales.

He added: "It will certainly boost the local economy when fans will travel from all over - they will have time to use other facilities here."

Mr Havelock said: "It is fantastic. There is a huge amount of interest - just going on my travels I hear people talking about it. There is a huge fan base."

The town's Cleveland Park Stadium opened in 1928 and more than 15,000 people regularly packed the venue to watch the action.

The track closed in 1996 and the land was sold for redevelopment.