King's Lynn Stars last night signed two familiar faces as they began their team building for next season.

Eastern Daily Press: Lewis Rose. Picture: Ian BurtLewis Rose. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2013)

Lewis Rose, 24, and Lewis Kerr, 23 – who both rode in the club's Young Stars National League side last campaign – have landed reserve places in Rob Lyon's higher-level senior outfit ahead of the 2014 term.

Stars management picked the duo during speedway's first ever Elite League Fast Track draft day.

And Lyon is more than happy with the riders he selected at the groundbreaking event in Rugby, near Coventry.

The Stars' team manager and co-promoter said: 'We came away with what we wanted. Both are local lads and they are our assets so it makes a lot of sense to use them.

'I think the supporters will warm to them and that will no doubt be a help to the team next year.'

The British Speedway Promoters' Association (BSPA) put together a list of 23 men who were eligible for top-flight racing next year under the new scheme – designed to improve the quality of the country's best youngsters.

Four of the crop, who are owned by some of the 10 Elite outfits, could be used by their respective sides as their first pick – Kerr being one of the protected names.

After picking Kerr as their first reserve, Lynn's second pick went to another club asset, Rose.

Both have made huge strides in the sport over the past 12 months with Norfolk's 23-year-old shining in the Premier League – the level above where he had been riding with the Norfolk Arena outfit's second string.

Great Britain youth (joint) boss Phil Morris said of the new process: 'This is a great opportunity for these lads and I wish them well in the top flight next season.

'It's an exciting addition to the league and I'm sure it will prove very popular, as was the draft process.'

Stars' chiefs now hope to name the rest of their new seven-man line-up at a yet-to-be scheduled fans' meeting later this month.