A FORMER Bury Times employee has been invited for a trial with county Cricket champions Surrey.

Tommy Read, opener for Ramsbottom Cricket Club who worked for the BT's Special Publications department last year, is over the moon at the unexpected offer though he's keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

"I'm going down for a four-hour trial on February 21 but that's as far as I expect it to get," said Tommy.

"I'll give it my best shot and I'll be delighted if anything comes of it but I won't be too disappointed if doesn't go any further."

Read was spotted by an umpire when he was playing for Tuggeranong in Australia last winter. By sheer good luck the umpire happened to be the brother of Surrey coach Alan Butcher and through word of mouth the youngster was recommended to the county.

Now he'll travel South for a trial at the Oval, alongside such cricketing greats as England Alex Stewart and Graham Thorpe

First in the queue to wish him good luck is Ramsbottom chairman Peter Spencer.

"It will be a real shame if we do lose him but he has done really well and deserves the opportunity," said Mr Spencer.

"He has got the potential and it also reflects well on Ramsbottom's youth system that he's been able to come through the ranks."

Tommy has been playing cricket since he was an eight-year-old when he suddenly turned to his mum and asked if he could try it. His parents took him to Bury Sports Club and the coaches were amazed how good his technique was, despite the fact that he'd never even picked up a bat before.

He joined Ramsbottom as a 15-year-old and has been a first team regular for two years, scoring 466 runs last year and taking 14 wickets in 42 overs.

Dad John said: "I'm proud of him. Going to Australia did him the power of good and whatever happens at Surrey he'll give it his best because he is a real trier."

Even if the move to Surrey doesn't materialise, Tommy will be all the better for experience and can console himself with trying to help Ramsbottom to the Lancashire League title when the new season starts in April.

Tommy added: "We should have a very good shot at the league next year if Brad Hodge comes back.

"We have got the strongest amateur bowling attack in the league by a country mile and Brad is also capable of taking wickets. We will be up there challenging."