Kent have signed former Durham all-rounder Ben Harmison.

The former England under-19 player - younger brother of England Ashes hero Steve - was released after seven years at the Riverside.

Harmison - who turns 26 next month - was called into the England squad for the under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2004 before joining the tour of India the following year, taking a series-best 4-58 in the second Test.

He also shone with the bat, scoring 65 in the third Test, and went on to play three of the five one-day internationals.

He has played 37 first-class games, averaging 35 with ball and 26 with the bat, while also making 51 List A and 30 Twenty20 appearances to date.

Chairman of Cricket Graham Johnson said: "I am delighted that we have signed Ben, he offers a lot with both bat and ball, and he was a target for us during the recent recruitment process.

"He has a point to prove about making the best of his undoubted ability and we look forward to helping him do that. I am sure that all involved with Kent Cricket will make him very welcome.”

Harmison said: "I am delighted to have signed for Kent. I cannot wait to get down to Kent and start training with the squad, and I look forward to an exciting 2012 season.

"This is a great opportunity and I look forward to continuing my career with a county hungry for success.”

Picture: Barry Goodwin