GERRARDS Cross bowler Tom Hampton has signed for Gloucestershire Cricket on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old has been on the books at Middlesex in the past but spent most of the summer playing for Cross in the Home Counties League and Bucks in the Minor Counties Championship.

However, he played for Gloucester 2s in a trial game against Glamorgan last month, taking 5-19 and 2-30 in two innings to convince the coaches to give him a chance.

Gloucestershire Director of Cricket John Bracewell said: “As part of strengthening our bowling resources we have added Tom to our squad.

“He is a bowler who bowls a heavy ball with a repeatable action.”

Hampton said: “I’m very happy to have signed a two-year deal with Gloucestershire, it’s a fantastic opportunity – they have a great squad and a quality coaching set-up.

"I’m looking forward to working hard over the winter to really push for a first team place at the start of next season.”

Hampton is the latest player from Cross to make it to the professional game, with Alex Hales now in the England ODI squad after impressing with Notts.