CYCLE speedway star Ben Dickenson has been chosen to represent England in the European Championship being held this weekend in Poland.

Currently riding with Sheffield Stars in the British Premier League, 18-year-old Ben from Leigh only took up the sport two seasons ago.

Now he is one of the top under 19s in the country.

Last month he represented England against Wales and Scotland in a tri-nations contest at Birmingham.

Ben's 16-year-old girlfriend, Laura Watson, from Tyldesley, also rides for Sheffield along with her brother, Adam, aged 11.

Wigan and Leigh College student Ben hopes to become a motor mechanic.