Fast bowler Stuart Whittingham has been released from his Sussex contract.

Whittingham, 24, will join Gloucestershire with immediate effect as he bids for more first team opportunities.

Sussex youth product Whittingham signed his first professional terms with the county during the 2016 season.

The Scotland international made his first-team debut during the same campaign and took 37 wickets in 13 first-class appearances for the county.

Sussex director of cricket Keith Greenfield explained the decision to agree to Whittingham's request.

He said: “Stu is a talented cricketer but with the fast bowlers we currently have here at Sussex, first team opportunities might have continued to be limited in the coming seasons.

“With Stu’s best interests in mind, we’ve agreed to release him with a year remaining on his contract to give him the best opportunity to further his career."

Head coach Jason Gillespie said: “It’s a great opportunity for Stu at Gloucestershire.

"He did not play as much first-team as he would have liked in 2018 and with a number of bowlers at the club challenging for spots, opportunities may again be limited in 2019.

“We hope this move is a positive one for Stu and wish him all the very best at Gloucestershire.”