PIRATES reserve Jason Doyle has an unknown British immigration official to thank for letting him back into the country after it looked as though he was going to be denied entry.

Doyle arrived at Heathrow at 5am after a 29-hour flight from Sydney, only to be told by a female immigration officer that he didn't have the correct paperwork to come into Britain.

Apparently, he didn't have a certain form to accompany his new visa to gain entry even though he has ridden in Britain for the past two years.

But, luckily, she referred his case to another officer, who just happened to be a Pirates fan, and he was eventually let through customs.

Doyle said: "I didn't even see the guy, or speak to him, but he was great and I owe him a big thank you.

"He has saved me a lot of hassle, he's certainly made my life a lot easier and it was amazing that he was a Poole speedway fan.

"It was 5am and it was the last thing I wanted after a long flight from Australia via Singapore.

"I was on a different visa last year so I didn't have to worry about it then. Now I'll just have to make sure I remember to bring that bit of paper with my visa next year."

Doyle arrived back at his new base in Poole to a major disappointment though.

He found out that the van he thought he was going to be sponsored with had fallen through.

It means he is without transport for his bikes and equipment just 10 days before Pirates' press and practice day.

Doyle said: "It is a major disappointment and I don't know what I am going to do.

"If there is anyone out there who can help, I would be extremely grateful."

The number to call is 01202 681145.