ENGLAND 2005 Ashes winning hero Matthew Hoggard MBE has become cricket ambassador at Gloucestershire sports travel company Venatour.

Vanatour has set up and run events in both Cirencester and Cheltenham.

It has now signed up cricket legend Hoggard, who played 67 Test Matches for England taking 248 wickets, including a hat-trick against West Indies in 2004 and 12 wickets in a game against South Africa the following year.

Talking of the move, the former Yorkshire fast bowler said: “I am excited to be joining Venatour as its ambassador while getting involved and growing the cricket tours that it offers.

“Touring Australia was always a highlight of mine as a player, so I am looking forward to heading back down under for the Ashes series in 2021/22 with Venatour and its clients, for what promises to be a great trip.”

The company, located at Gloucestershire Airport, was established by Bath and England Rugby legend Gareth Chilcott in 2014 and offers supporters a personal ‘tour experience’ to all the major sporting events around the world, including the British & Irish Lions Tour, Rugby World Cup, Ashes, Wimbledon and Formula 1.

Gareth said: “It’s great to have someone like Hoggy involved with Venatour.

“He’s got a great personality and lots of friends in cricket which will be perfect for our clients travelling to Australia for the Ashes in 2021/22.

“There’s nothing like following England in the Ashes with the atmosphere and rivalry being second to none”

For more information about any of the tours please visit venatour.co.uk