POPULAR former Somerset paceman Charl Willoughby has become a financial consultant just a six hit away from where he used to open the bowling for the county.

Willoughby, now 44, has been appointed as a financial consultant at Cooper Associates and joins their office in St James Street, Taunton.

The South African fast bowler played two Tests and three ODIs for his country as well as taking 347 First Class wickets during a successful stint with Somerset between 2006 and 2011.

Since retiring from cricket, he has worked for a FTSE 100 banking group before enrolling in, and graduating from, the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Academy.

He joins fellow former Somerset players Carl Gazzard, James Regan and Kevin Parsons in the company.

Willoughby said: "I am very excited to be joining Cooper Associates as a financial consultant.

"I am really enjoying my second career within the financial services sector and I look forward to helping new clients achieve their financial goals.

"It’s an exciting time to join Cooper Associates and it feels fantastic to be part of the team, working just across the road from the Cooper Associates County Ground.”

Cooper Associates CEO Lee Cooper said: "We are delighted Charl has taken the decision to join Cooper Associates Wealth Management.

"He has adapted from life as a brilliant cricketer to becoming a successful financial adviser and we are thrilled he sees our business as somewhere he can fulfil his future ambitions within the financial services industry.

"Charl’s appointment further strengthens our wealth management division.”