PURTON rider Darryl Ritchings has been named in the Ipswich Witches septet for next season.

The 20-year-old impressed in his first season back on the bike with Coventry Storm in the National League last campaign.

Now Ritchings, who made one guest appearance Swindon last season, has earned the step up to the Premier League with the Suffolk side.

The Swindon asset has come a long way in a short time, having been put into an induced coma just 19 months ago after a horror crash at the Abbey Stadium.

Ritchings will line up with the likes of Lewis Kerr, who also suffered a potentially life-changing injury last season, James Sargeant and Danny King.

Ipswich director of speedway, Chris Louis, is delighted to have a core of Brits in his lineup for the new season: “I am very happy with the seven that I have assembled and particularly pleased that we are able to field so many Brits.

“Darryl joins us as out National League three-point rider and I was very impressed with the speed at which he made his decision to join us in what will be a big step for him.

“He epitomises what the NH 3 point rule is all about and I can’t wait to get working with him.”