Derbyshire's double signing

Hewson batting in the 2001 B&H Cup final at Lord's

Derbyshire have moved to strengthen their squad for the 2002 season by signing batsman Dominic Hewson and seam bowler Jason Kerr.

Hewson was released by Gloucestershire after they failing to win an extension to his contract.

The 27-year-old has scored 2,172 first-class runs since making his first-class debut, including two centuries during the 2000 season.

Kerr moves north in search of a regular first-team place after eight seasons with Somerset.

He was awarded his county cap by Somerset last year but played only a peripheral role in a successful 2001 campaign, which saw them win the C&G Trophy and finish second in the Championship.

Kerr has plenty of experience

"The fact that both Dominic and Jason are joining us from clubs who have been highly successful in the recent past can only be an advantage as we look to substantially improve on last season's performances," Derbyshire captain Dominic Cork told the club's official website.

They endured a dismal summer, finishing rock bottom in Championship Division Two - with only a single victory over Durham to show for their efforts - and Norwich Union League Two.