The club competes in speedway's Conference League

The club lost its licence in 2005 after residents complained about noise levels at the Wessex Stadium. It was given a temporary licence this season.

But on Thursday district councillors voted in favour of granting the club permission to race, subject to it continuing to reduce noise levels.

Phil Bartlett, Wildcats promoter, said the club was "over the moon".

It is the second most supported sport in Dorset Phil Bartlett

He told BBC News: "We've come together to save Weymouth Speedway and we've had the best victory we could have.

"It's a family sport and everyone gets on and has a good night out. It is the second most supported sport in Dorset."

The club, which competes in speedway's Conference League, leases its track from Weymouth Football Club.

Earlier this year the track was shut down after West Dorset District Council upheld complaints about noise.

The Wildcats were granted a temporary licence after they worked with the council to try to address the issues raised.

A spokeswoman for West Dorset District Council said the unanimous vote to grant the club a full licence was on the condition the track is only in use between 1 March and 31 October each year.

Racing has been limited to two hours on a Friday night, and the club has been instructed to install new acoustic screening and a new public address system.