SWINDON Robins asset Adam Ellis was crowned British Champion for the first time with victory at Belle Vue Aces' National Speedway Stadium on Monday night.

The current Sheffield Tigers and Scunthorpe Scorpions man finished third in his opening ride but then reeled off four straight wins to qualify directly for the final.

He then took that race from the inside ahead of pre-meeting favourite Dan Bewley, who was joined by his Belle Vue team-mate and former champion Charles Wright in the top three. Three-time winner Chris Harris finished fourth.

Ellis said: “It feels amazing to hold this trophy. It’s been a long, tough night and I’m beyond delighted to walk away with the win.

“I honestly didn’t expect this. I certainly wanted it and I wasn’t here to make up the numbers, and there have been quite a few shock winners in the British Final over the last few years.

“We all knew that Dan was the man to beat and I knew I’d have to work hard, but anything can happen in this meeting and I’m just thrilled to have won on the night.”

Ellis is expected to re-join the Robins when they return to British speedway next summer.