Kent have signed all-rounder Will Gidman after a successful loan spell with the club in 2016.

The 31-year-old left-hander scored five half-centuries in five Specsavers County Championship matches with Kent and has a first-class batting average of 40.

With the ball, his accurate medium pace bowling claimed ten wickets in all formats including 3/28 against former club Gloucestershire in Kent’s run to the Royal London One-Day Cup quarter-finals.

Following a two-year spell at Nottinghamshire, the former Durham and Gloucestershire player has committed his future to Kent.

Gidman said: “I’m really excited to make the move permanent. Kent is such as a great club with hugely exciting prospects and I feel privileged that I have the opportunity to be part of it.”

Chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: “In his loan spell with us, Will added depth to our batting and bowling in Championship and limited overs cricket as well as being a positive addition to the dressing room with his experience and enthusiasm.

“In developing a squad to challenge at the highest level, we need a blend of experience and potential plus having depth of talent and competition for places. We look forward to his significant contribution in the future.”