CHURCH Cricket Club have signed highly-rated Australian all-rounder Mark Higgs as their new professional.

The 25-year-old, who plays for New South Wales, is a left-hand bat and orthodox slow left-hand bowler. He replaces South African James Bryant.

He played just more than half a season for Redcar in the North East last year, scoring 650 runs and taking 30 wickets.

The move demonstates the massive ambition of the Transco Lancashire League club - it is thought that Higgs's wages will be significantly more than has been paid to any pro at the club before.