Seam bowler Tom Stayt has been awarded a two year professional contract with Gloucestershire.

The 21-year-old, from Great Cheverell, has come through the Gloucestershire academy which he joined in 2002. Latterly, he has been studying for a degree in accounting and finance at Exeter University.

He made his debut for Gloucestershire in the county championship match against Middlesex at Lord's last month when his first victim was England opening batsman Andrew Strauss.

advertisement Stayt, who has played club cricket for Bath, said: "I'm really pleased to be offered a two-year contract.

"Having spent four years in the Academy and playing 2nd XI cricket it is a great opportunity to take the next step and try and cement my place in the Gloucestershire 1st team."