PETERBOROUGH skipper Ulrich Ostergaard will stage his testimonial this year after all.

The Panthers star has been granted special permission by the British Speedway Promoters' Association (BSPA) to celebrate his fine service to the sport in this country on Sunday, March 13.

And Ostergaard has wasted no time in unveiling the first two terrific riders in the line-up for what is set to be a spectacular event to launch the 2016 season at the East of England Showground.

Top world stars, and Panthers greats, Hans Andersen and Niels Kristian Iversen, have already accepted invitations to take part.

Andersen and Iversen were also part of the Peterborough side, along with Ostergaard, that famously won the Elite League title back in 2006.

Ostergaard said: "It looked like I was going to have to put my testimonial on hold, but the BSPA have very kindly allowed us to bring it forward by a week.

"We're working hard behind the scenes to put together what should be a really good line-up.

"I'm hoping we can involve the current Peterborough team for 2016 and some top riders who I've been lucky to race alongside during my career.

"I'm thrilled that Hans and Puk have already agreed to ride. It will be great to have them back at the Showground 10 years after that brilliant Elite League title win."

Ostergaard hopes to announce further riders to take part in his testimonial in the coming days as well as finalising the start time.

Panthers promoter Ged Rathbone said: "Ulrich has earned his testimonial through many years of dedicated service to British speedway.

"I didn't want him to have to wait until 2017 to stage his meeting and I'm delighted we've got the green light to run on March 13.

"It will be a superb start to our season and I hope fans turn out in force to show their appreciation for a man who absolutely loves being a Peterborough rider."

The addition of Ostergaard's testimonial to the fixture list means Panthers will now stage their Press & Practice Day on Friday, March 11 rather than the previously advertised date of March 18.

There will also be a pre-season social event on March 11 with further details to be announced soon.