PROMISING midfielder Ben Kirk has followed club captain Gary Thorne's example and quit Hardenhuish Park for Conference South club Weston-super-Mare.

Kirk, who has just completed a coaching education degree at the University of Bath, has moved back home to Bridgwater where he wanted to find a local club.

Chippenham are entitled to a compensation claim for Kirk because he is under 24, but a fee has yet to be agreed between the Bluebirds and the Seagulls.

Kirk said: "I spoke to Darren Perrin and he wanted me to stay, but from my point of view it was just too much travelling. "I worked full-time last summer and travelled three times a week to Chippenham. It took a lot out of me both physically and mentally, so I thought I would find a team closer to home."

Kirk said he was delighted to be signing for a Conference South club after a season of substitute appearances at Southern League level. "It's quite ironic that I should sign for Weston because I did not play as much as I would have liked for Chippenham, who play in the league below.

"Frank Gregan called Darren to ask about my availability. It gives me a lot of confidence that a bigger club wanted me. "This is a great opportunity for me to improve as a player because I will be competing against better teams every week. I hope I can take my chance when it comes and force my way into the side for next season," he said.

Kirk revealed he was also approached by Southern League rivals Tiverton Town. The 21-year-old said he thought long and hard before making his decision. "I spoke to Martyn Rogers (Tiverton manager) and he was keen to sign me. Tiverton is only 30 minutes from my home, but in the end I decided I wanted to play Conference South football.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Chippenham Town and I would like to thank both Steve White and Darren Perrin for giving me the chance to play. "I've made some good friends here and Darren has said that if things don't work out for me, the door is always open to come back."

Perrin said he was sorry to lose a player of Kirk's calibre but understood his decisions for leaving. He said: "Ben Kirk is a great lad. I have the utmost respect for him, not just as a player, but also as a friend.

"He never caused us one ounce of trouble while he was at Chippenham the only reason he is leaving is because he is moving back to Bridgwater and doesn't want to travel up here every week. "We wish him every success."