Bury have completed the signing of defender Lewis Earl from National League North club Marine.

Earl, a centre-back who can also play as a holding midfielder, started out at Preston North End before heading to Stockport County.

He then had loan spells at Telford United, Warrington Rylands and Hyde United before joining Chester, where he was sidelined by a serious injury.

After returning to the pitch, Earl earned a new deal at the Deva Stadium and later had a stint at Bootle before making the move to Marine.

His older brother, Josh, is currently at League One side Barnsley and has also played for the likes of Preston, Bolton and Fleetwood.

Manager Dave McNabb is pleased to have secured the defender's services and hopes he can have a positive impact on and off the pitch.

He told the club website: “Lewis is an outstanding footballer who is capable of playing centre-half or in midfield. Composed on the ball, he builds the game and constantly looks to play forward passes.

"He is big, strong and very mobile with really strong defensive instincts. Lewis is technically excellent and a great lad too”