A BUDDING professional cricketer was bowled over after his bosses agreed to a seven-month career break to pursue his dream.

Ashley Thorpe, 26, who works at London Electricity in Sunderland, was asked by Durham County Cricket Club to join a pre-season tour to South Africa.

To do so, he feared he would have to quit his job as trainer at the company's Doxford call centre.

But management have agreed to allow Mr Thorpe a seven-month break from his job to play on the pre-season tour and in matches next season.

He will then be able to take up the post again when the season ends.

John Davies, general manager at London Electricity, said: "We are delighted to support Ashley's cricketing career and wish him every success."

Mr Thorpe, who is from Perth, in Western Australia, moved to the UK in 1995 and now lives with wife, Kathleen, and three-year-son, Michael, in the Sunderland area.

He said: "I was thrilled to be offered a contract with Durham County Cricket Club and London Electricity have been fantastic about it. It is reassuring to know my job will be secure while I am away."