Ward won the Australian Under-21 championship at the age of 16

King's Lynn Stars teenage sensation Darcy Ward has become speedway's youngest ever world under-21 champion.

The 17-year-old Australian has the highest average on the Stars' team and has helped them to win this year's Premier League and Premier Trophy.

"I'm stoked. I wasn't expecting to go so well. Everyone around me was telling me I could do it, but I wasn't 100% sure," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"Everyone's been really supportive, that's what's good about King's Lynn.

"I've had a good year with some new experiences and it's paid off."

There will be a special celebration for Ward before the Stars' Premier League KO Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday.

The Stars' two previous world champions are special guests at the Norfolk Arena as part of the event.

Michael Lee won the world individual title at the age of 21 in 1980 and Tony Rikardsson followed him in 1999.

Stars' captain Tomas Topinka is out of both legs of the Knock Out Cup semi-final after he was injured while riding in the Czech Republic.

He will be replaced by young Australian Ty Proctor.

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