YOUNG bowler Tom Stayt has achieved the first part of his cricketing dream after being handed a professional contract by Gloucestershire.

The 17-year-old right arm fast bowler, from Great Cheverell, will start a two-year summer contract on completion of his AS level exams in July and is the first member of the county's academy to break into the senior ranks.

Stayt, who plays club cricket for West of England Premier One side Bath, was shocked and delighted when academy director Tony Wright broke the news.

He said: "I'm chuffed to bits. It came as a complete surprise. I went to a meeting in Bristol with my parents and Tony Wright and the club's chief executive were there.

"They said they had been very happy with what I've done so far and wanted to offer me a contract so they could have more control over my training and the matches I play in. I can't wait to start and just want my exams to be over. But I'm hoping to go to university later on, so I'll need the grades."

Stayt, who attended Lavington School before moving on to St Augustines to study for his A levels, began his cricket career under the guidance of his dad Patrick at Erlestoke Junior Cricket Club.

He moved on to Bath four years ago as his talent developed, and has represented Wiltshire at every age group from U11s to U17s.

Stayt switched to Gloucestershire's England Cricket Board-accredited academy system in the autumn and went with the blessing of Wiltshire's assistant cricket development officer Alan Crouch. He said: "We have done a lot of fitness, mental and technical work. During the winter, the first team get involved in the academy sessions and that helped break the ice."

Stayt has already turned out for Gloucestershire's 2nd XI and announced his arrival with six wickets for 39 to help his side to victory over Dorset at Dene Park.

He made his Bath debut last season after progressing through the youth ranks and, despite signing a contract with Gloucestershire, will continue to play for them this summer.

He said: "Gloucestershire are keen for me to do that as it is a good standard, but I'll be training with them during the week."

Stayt will train alongside the likes of South African Jonty Rhodes once he completes his exams and is looking to continue his development.

He said: "I like to call myself a bowling all-rounder. I don't get many opportunities with my batting as I bat in the lower middle-order, but Gloucestershire want to develop three-dimensional cricketers and concentrate on all parts of the game."

Academy director Wright believes Stayt could prove to be a huge asset for his club. He said: "Fast bowlers aren't easy to find, but he could develop into a good one."