RISING star Ben Charlesworth yesterday signed a three-year professional deal with Gloucestershire.

The 17-year-old broke into the first team in August and produced some eye-catching displays.

Charlesworth, who has represented Oxfordshire as well as playing club cricket for Oxford and Abingdon Vale, scored two half-centuries for Gloucestershire at the end of the season.

He had marked his County Championship debut by taking the final wicket in a win over Leicestershire with his only delivery.

The St Edward’s School pupil, who is studying for his A-Levels, was thrilled to put pen-to-paper on the deal.

“I am delighted to be signing my first contract with the club,” he said.

“I’m excited about the future with our young squad and I am grateful to all who have supported me.”

Charlesworth represented England Under 19’s in their series against South Africa earlier this summer after making 142 for an invitational XI against the tourists in a warm-up game.