Folkestone bowler Hugh Bernard has signed his first professional contract with Kent.

The England under-19 star got the great news during Australia’s Ashes tour opener in Canterbury.

The 18-year-old has taken 14 wickets so far for Folkestone in the Kent League Premier Division this summer including a five-wicket haul against Beckenham – his first at that level.

He was named Kent Academy scholar-of-the-year in 2014 and now he steps up to senior status.

Bernard said: "It is something I been working hard to achieve.

"I was pushing to try and get a contract at the end of the season. I didn’t expect to get one this early in the season.

"It feels fantastic and I am pleased the club has showed faith in me to perform in the first team environment."

Read the full story in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.