FORMER Wiltshire cricketer Jon Lewis is to leave Gloucestershire at the end of this season after 16 year with the Bristol-based side.

Lewis, who will be 36 next month, is to join Surrey on a two-year contract.

He his first-class debut back in 1995, since going on to make 222 first class appearances plus 212 in List A cricket and 56 in the Twenty20 format.

Lewis, a former pupil at Churchfields School in Swindon, played for Wiltshire in 1993 and 1995 and boasts an outstanding record in first-class cricket, including more than 770 wickets and more than 4,000 runs.

He played in one Test Match for England against Sri Lanka in 2006 and has also appeared in 13 one-day internationals and two T20 internationals.

With Gloucestershire, Lewis was a consistent performer, his career-best bowling figures of 8-95 being achieved against Zimbabwe at Gloucester in 2000.

He said: "I have had some wonderful times with Gloucestershire, been privileged to captain the club, play with many fantastic players and enjoy terrific backing from the supporters over 17 seasons, which have brought many highlights.

"I am very grateful for all the opportunities the club have given me.

"Now I am looking forward to an exciting new challenge with a team I feel is ready to step up to the next level.

"Surrey have some hugely promising players and I hope I can add some experience to their squad and help their young bowlers progress.

"There is still a job to be done at Gloucestershire over the remainder of this season.

"I have spoken to my teammates and assured them that I remain totally committed to helping the club reach Division One of the Championship before I leave."

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson said: “Jon Lewis has been a terrific cricketer for our club and we are very grateful for all that he has done.

“He has decided at this stage of his career that he wants to move to pastures new and we wish him the very best of luck in the future.”

Director of cricket John Bracewell added: “Jon was one of the players involved at the start of an era that stands out in Gloucestershire’s history and went on from there to captain the club and represent England both in Test cricket and at a World Cup.

“His contribution both as a player and latterly as a mentor to the young players at Gloucestershire is immeasurable. I wish him all the best.”

Skipper Alex Gidman added: “Jon has been an amazing servant to the club.

"He has performed incredibly well for us over a long period, setting a great example to all around him, and will leave a large hole to fill.”