CANFORD School talent Tom Prest has been announced in Hampshire Academy’s intake for the 2019 season.

Prest made Canford School history in 2017 when he shared a second-wicket stand of 287 with Freddie Peters in the Dorset Under-14 Cup.

Former Priestlands School pupil George Pardoe and Poole prospect Scott Currie return to the academy after featuring this year.

Head of player development Charlie Freeston said the squad's winter training programme had already started.

“We’re delighted to add eight exciting young cricketers to the Hampshire Academy as part of this year’s intake, alongside George Pardoe, George Metzger, Fletcha Middleton, Scott Currie, Tom South and Sonny Reynolds who all return having shown promise throughout this past year," said Freeston.

Canford School old boy Felix Organ signed a two-year professional contract with Hampshire after the 2018 season.

Organ’s 843 runs at an average of 56.20 for the Academy saw him top the batting charts in last season’s Southern Electric Premier League, while he claimed 24 wickets at an average of 17.38.