Margate have moved to bolster their promotion credentials by signing former Colchester and Kidderminster striker Freddie Ladapo.

The powerful forward, who turns 22 on February 1, was released by Harriers on Tuesday after joining the Aggborough outfit in January last year.

He made his Kiddie debut as a sub against Sunderland in the FA Cup Fourth Round but missed a late chance to level and after failing to break into the team was loaned to Hayes & Yeading last March, scoring twice in 11 appearances.

In July he was loaned to Grays for six months where he has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances this term in Ryman League Premier Division.

He played at Hartsdown Park as Grays went down 3-0 to Gate at the end of November.

The Romford-born frontman came through the ranks at Colchester, spending time on loan at Chelmsford, Thurrock and Bishop’s Stortford, before signing a pro-deal at United in March 2012.

Ladapo extended his deal by a year but left the club last summer after making six first team appearances, having further loan spells at Woking and Nuneaton.