FOSTER'S Lancashire League side Colne have snapped-up former Earby professional Ali Azmat as paid man for next season.

The all-rounder is a proven success in league cricket and Colne believe his arrival will help them shoot up the table after last season's wooden spoon finish.

Horsfield cricket manager Gary Hunt said: "Ali is a proven performer at all levels of cricket, he has a First Class batting average of 40 and has been a huge success in UK League cricket.

"In eight seasons playing for Earby and Tonge he has racked up well in excess of 9,000 runs and holds the Ribblesdale League batting record for runs scored in a single season scoring 1,655.

"In addition to this he also averages over 60 wickets per season with his left arm spin.

"Having played for our neighbours Earby, Ali is well known to us, he is a great guy and in addition to his playing ability he is also a keen and experienced coach and we are delighted to have signed such a talented and proven player who will play a major role in our 2014 campaign."