Leicestershire have signed Paul Nixon on a three-year contract with the 32-year-old wicket-keeper returning to Grace Road after a three-year spell at Kent.

Leicestershire general manager Kevin Hill said: "I'm delighted that we have won the chase for Paul's signature.I believe his considerable experience, ability and enthusiasm will help the club achieve continued success in the future.

"This is the first of what we hope will be a number of signings that will be announced that will put together a squad for 2003 and beyond, that will challenge for all four domestic competitions."

Nixon who first played for Leicestershire from 1989 to 1999 said:"I am very excited and thrilled to be rejoining Leicestershire. I am confident I will be able to play my part in helping to achieve the success that everyone at the club is striving for.

"It was a big shock to be told that Kent were not renewing my contract, but it is great to get back to my roots. I spoke to a few other counties but, in the end, returning to Leicestershire was a family decision. It will be lovely to be back."

© Leicestershire CCC