Speedway could return to Exeter from next spring if a Devon businessman's plans for a new track for the Exeter Falcons gets the go-ahead.

Allen Trump has submitted plans to Teignbridge Council for a track in the middle of Exeter racecourse.

The Falcons have not raced since October 2005 after they were evicted from the County Ground.

The main stumbling block over the effect on local wildlife has been overcome according to Mr Trump.

"I believe that we have shown through our ecological report that there isn't really a problem," he told BBC Spotlight.

He presented his plans to a group of 80 supporters at Clyst St Mary and is hoping that if the plans are approved work will start on the new track by September.

The club has been going for 80 years and has launched the careers of riders such as Chris Harris, who won the 2007 British Grand Prix.