GARETH Andrew has become Worcestershire's first signing for the new season.

The New Road club made an official approach for the Somerset seamer earlier this week and the former England Under 19 international has signed a two-year deal with the 2007 NatWest Pro40 champions.

During his time at Taunton, the 23-year-old found first class opportunities hard to come by with ex-England strike bowler Andrew Caddick and South African Charl Willoughby leading the West Country side's attack.

Following the release of five players last week, including Roger Sillence, director of cricket Steve Rhodes has moved quickly to bolster his bowling options for the 2008 campaign.

"We thank Somerset for allowing us to talk to Gareth and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us next year," Rhodes said.

"It is no secret we need to improve our seam bowling resources and I believe that Gareth will really strengthen our team in that department and give us the depth we need.

"He is hungry for success which is a characteristic I look for in any player."

Andrew, who made his first class debut in 2003, played a prominent role in Somerset's Twenty20 Cup winning campaign in 2005 and he will be hoping that he will have increased opportunities in the four-day game next season as Worcestershire look to bounce straight back to the top flight following their relegation this season.

Andrew said: "I'm thrilled to have signed for Worcestershire and am already looking forward to joining the squad in 2008.

"I have come up through the Somerset youth system and I am thankful for all the help I have received.

"This is a career move which should give me more opportunity of playing 1st XI cricket."