FORMER Somerset County Cricket Club captain Mike Burns who was not retained at the end of last season, has announced he will be playing for his native Cumberland in 2006.

Netherfield had been interested in signing him but his business commitments meant he could not move back north to live.

The 36-year-old all-rounder, who skippered Somerset in 2003-4, was born in Barrow and played for the Minor County side between 1988 and 1990 before joining Warwickshire.

Burns, who played for Netherfield in the Northern League, moved to Somerset before the start of the 1997 season.

During his time at the club he became an almost permanent fixture in the first team, playing in 134 first-class matches during which he scored over 7,000 runs and took 68 wickets as well as making many valuable contributions in one-day cricket.

Richard Gould, the Somerset Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted that Mike is going to stay in the game which has meant so much to him and to which he has given so much in return.

"Over the years he has given Somerset cricket wonderful service and always been a true professional and set a perfect example to the youngsters who have played alongside him."

While playing for Cumberland, Burns will remain living in the south and will play club cricket for West of England Premier League team Taunton St Andrew's as well as working as a national representative for Bradbury UK Ltd, makers and suppliers of cricket bats and equipment who are closely associated with Somerset County Sports at the County Ground.

Burns said: "I am thriller at the prospect of going back 'home'' to play for Cumberland, where I started my serious cricket all those years ago.

"I feel that I have still got a lot to offer the game and I am pleased to be given the chance to put something back in this way."