BEN Harmison, brother of England's 2005 Ashes hero Steve, has joined Kent.

The all-rounder was released by Durham, having spent seven years at the Emirates Durham ICG.

Harmison was called up into the England squad for the World U19 Cup, at Bangladesh, in 2004 and was then selected for the U19 tour of India in 2005, taking 4-58 in the second Test – the best figures by an England bowler during the tour.

He also shone with the bat, making 65 in the third Test, but could not prevent a 3-0 series defeat before featuring in three of the five one-day internationals.

He has since gone on to average 34.66 with the ball in 37 first class matches, and averages 26.10 with the bat. The 25-year-old has also made 51 List A, and 30 Twenty20 appearances, during his career.

Harmison said of his move to Kent: "I am delighted to have signed for Kent. I cannot wait to get down to Kent and start training with the squad, and I look forward to an exciting 2012 season. This is a great opportunity and I look forward to continuing my career with a county hungry for success."