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CZECH Republic star Josef Franc is to return to parent club Berwick for the 2011 season.Franc, who first rode for the Bandits in 2001, has also appeared for Newcastle and spent 2010 on loan at Sheffield, but now joins Lee Complin as a confirmed starter at Shielfield Park.Bandits co-owner George Hepburn said: "Pepe was desperate to rejoin Berwick again for the new season and it only took minutes to tie his deal up."To say we are delighted is an understatement especially as he comes back on a 6.81 average which is a snip for someone who goes so very well, not only at Shielfield but at tracks all over the country, large and small!"

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MARK Lemon has completed a full transfer which sees him become a Newcastle asset ahead of next year's Premier League campaign.The experienced Australian has ridden for the Diamonds on loan from Poole during the last two seasons, but now the club have bought his contract outright.Co-promoter Darryl Illingworth said: "Mark will be 38 by the time the season starts in March and I can see him continuing to ride for another two or three years yet. He is the sort of guy who will get you points home and away."He is a wise old head to have around, and his experience certainly helped the younger riders like Dakota North this year."

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NEWPORT have named Australian youngsters Todd Kurtz and Mark Jones as their first two signings for the 2011 season.Kurtz rode for the Wasps this year and returns for a second campaign, whilst Jones steps up after a good season in the club's National League team.Newport owner Steve Mallett, who has also confirmed the club's switch to Saturday night racing next year, said: "Mark ran such a successful first season as a Newport Hornet in the sport's third tier the National League and was voted 'Rider of the Year' by the Newport fans at that level. So we felt he deserved his chance to step up as a full-time professional for the Wasps and I'm sure that he will cope well."Teenager Todd became the Hornets number one in his first full season whilst also doubling up with the Wasps. He has ridden most of the away tracks he will encounter in 2011 and so further improvement at Premier League level is on the cards."