SUCCESSFUL speedway team Dudley Heathens had their recent achievements celebrated at a civic reception, which was held in their honour.

The team, who have reverted back to their original name, Cradley Heathens, won the national league and cup double this year.

They toasted their success with Dudley Mayor, councillor Alan Finch at the reception, held at Dudley Council House on Tuesday (December 10).

Alan Grahame, who rode for the Heathens back in 1983, also attended as the event was also held to mark the 30th anniversary of one of the club's greatest team successes - winning the top flight league and cup double.

He said: “It’s been great to be invited to have the achievements recognised by Dudley Council all these years on. The team this year has won everything so it’s great to have a team that is conquering all like we did back in the day.”

Cllr Finch presented the Heathens with a glass award to recognise their success along with an outstanding achievement certificate to mark the team's efforts this year and back in 1983.

He said: "We were delighted to welcome the Heathens and some of their fans to the council house to help celebrate their success. I was a guest at their cup final this season and it was great to see them bring the double home and it’s important we help to recognise this excellent achievement.”

Heathens chairman, Nigel Pearson, added: "It is a huge honour to have been asked to the parlour to recognise our achievements and I’m pleased to know the Mayor is a Heathens fan."