Former Maidstone winger Charles Banya is back in Kent football after joining Margate.

The 23-year-old has joined the Blues as a free agent after being released by the Stones at the end of last season.

Banya began his career at Fulham but did not make a first team appearance, although he did make the bench for the club's Premier League game against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium in 2012.

He has also had spells at Woking and Crawley as well as spending a short time with Ryman League Premier Division side Billericay Town earlier this season.

Margate had hoped to get Banya in before Saturday's 5-0 home Vanarama National League South home defeat to Oxford City but the deal was held up by an issue with the paperwork.

He should now make his debut at Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday night.

Margate have confirmed that Lewis Ward's loan deal has been terminated to allow the goalkeeper to return to Championship side Reading to continue his recovery from a quad muscle injury.

Ward, 19, arrived at Hartsdown in the summer on a six-month deal but his injury - sustained while training with The Royals - meant he was unlikely to play again before his loan spell expired.

Gate boss Nikki Bull signed ex Ipswich keeper Jon Henly on loan from Hemel Hempstead a fortnight ago and he has played the last two matches.