BURY cycle speedway youngster, Robert Pearce, received an 11th-hour call-up to ride for England in the European Junior Nations Championship at Sandwell track in Birmingham on Saturday.

Robert (17), of Harvey Street, Bury, was not in the original five-man team but when England manager, Roger Ellis of Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, found that one of the riders was not available, he had no hesitation in contacting Robert.

Robert's performance has been impressive throughout the season and in particular, at Wednesfield last weekend.

The match, at under-19 level, starts at 3pm.