Cradley Heathens speedway fans are preparing to pay homage to their heroes.

The club last rode regularly in 1996 but the Heathens flame has been kept lit, in a series of junior and second-half matches.

Now fans are to take part in the OH Festival on July 18 at Spring Meadow, Old Hill.

The event is to show local support for ‘Our Heroes’ – many of those attending will be from the armed forces – and display the local pride of Old Hill.

The speedway fans will have a bike on display along with old Cradley Heath bodycolours, will sell merchandise and also hope to show videos of track action.

Renewed interest in the Heathens and a fresh determination to find a track has been much in evidence recently.

Two coaches and four mini-buses full of fans made the trip to Cardiff for last weekend’s British Grand Prix, with around 250 supporters getting together for a pre-match drink and chat in the city’s Prince of Wales pub.

Many of them will also be making the journey to Swindon on July 30 for the Four Team Tournament featuring the homeless sides Cradley, Oxford and Reading as well as the hosting Robins.

The Heathens Speedway Supporters Club is also in the process of featuring more second-half events, such as Cradley’s recent victory at Birmingham in the Hammer and Barr trophy.