FORMER Gloucestershire star James Averis has agreed to join Frocester Cricket Club next season.

Frocester captain Nick Trainor moved for his former Gloucestershire colleague after Averis was released following 10 years' service with the club.

Trainor's move for the Bristol-born seam bowler will negate the expected loss of Ali Bressington who is set to concentrate on his flourishing rugby career.

"We're delighted that James will be joining us," said Trainor.

"We needed a bowler who can bat and James fits that criteria."

Averis made his one-day debut in 1994 and his first-class debut in 1997. He was capped and named Gloucestershire player of the year in 2001.

He played in every one-day game of Gloucestershire's treble-winning season in 2000 and took a memorable 4-23 in the C&G final against Worcestershire in 2004.

This season the 32-year-old helped Gloucestershire win the NatWest Pro40 Second Division, taking 11 wickets.

Averis will now pursue a career outside the game after completing a law degree.