Essex County Cricket Club wicketkeeper James Foster has returned to Forest School as their cricket professional.

The Leytonstone-born 35-year-old is a former member of England’s Test and One-Day International sides.

Foster said: "It’s brilliant to be coming back to Forest, I had an amazing 11 years here. I loved my time here.

“I got to learn a lot playing cricket here and always enjoyed representing the School. It was great to be here when Stuart Turner (former Forest coach) was coaching. He was a Forest and Essex legend and a really big influence on me.

“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and meeting all the pupils and hopefully training the next generation.

“I’m excited to work with budding cricket players who want to play professionally or pupils who just want to improve.”

“I got to learn a lot playing cricket here and always enjoyed representing the School. It was great to be here when Stuart Turner (former Forest coach) was coaching. He was a Forest and Essex legend and a really big influence on me.”

Director of sport Ben Adams continued: “James is a great addition to our coaching staff.  To have him here as an Old Forester and professional cricketer is fantastic.

“James is a great role model to many of our pupils and it will be wonderful to have both our boys and girls coached by him.

Foster starts in late September.