Worcestershire sign RAF Corporal

Worcestershire have signed Graeme Cessford, a Royal Air Force Corporal, for the 2013 season.

Cessford, 29, has been granted elite athlete status by the Royal Air Force which means he can take his chance in county cricket before returning to the military when his contract expires.

During the 2012 season Cessford made three appearances for Worcestershire's Second XI, taking seven wickets. He also played for Northumberland Minor Counties and Chester-le-Street in the North East Premier League.

"I'm delighted to have signed for Worcestershire," Cessford said. "I'd like to extend a massive thank you to the Royal Air Force, the RAF Sports Board, and Worcestershire for giving me this fantastic opportunity."

Worcestershire's director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, said: "Cess has the ability to bowl with pace and this will be a valuable asset in our 2013 campaign. He will give the squad some depth for bowling spots and I am looking forward to working with him."

Squadron Leader Sally Varley added: "Corporal Graeme Cessford has been granted Elite Athlete Status by the Royal Air Force. This status allows him time to realise and develop his cricket potential through the opportunity to play for Worcestershire County Cricket Club. In addition, the Royal Air Force has exceptionally adjusted Corporal Cessford's employment for a year to include a public relations engagement role."

Cessford is not the first county cricketer to join from the military in recent seasons after Gloucestershire signed David Wade, an active Lance Corporal with Royal Signal Corps in the British Army, although he was released after the recent 2012 season after a two-year stint where he failed to break into the First XI.