TORQUAY have signed bowling all-rounder Tom Drake to bolster their squad for the 2017 season.

Drake – dad Steve played for Babbacombe for years – came up through the colts system at Barton.

He has been a virtual ever-present in Barton’s A Division team for the past two season and been part of the Devon Lions Development squad programme.

When Barton were relegated from the A Division at the end of last season, Premier neighbours Torquay got in ahead of Paignton to sign Drake, who has also played 1st XV rugby for Torquay Athletic.

Drake’s stats in 2016 with the bat were 247 league runs at 17.69 with a top score of 73 against Lewdown.

His bowling for the season was 18 wickets at 24.17, which included a career best five for 32 against Ipplepen on day one.

PAIGNTON have started netting at Paignton Community College on Monday nights between 8.30-9.30pm.