SOMERSET cricketer Rob Turner has turned his safe wicket-keeping hands to stockbroking, writes Richard Walsh.

Rob, 36, is spending the close season working slightly more than a six hit from Taunton's County Ground for Rowan Dartington in The Octagon, Middle Street, where Methodist forefather John Wesley once preached.

It is the sixth year that Rob, who signed for Somerset in 1991, has spent the winter with the company.

He said: "When I started I was based in Weston, but now I've been seconded to work in the Taunton office and it's working out very nicely for me.

"I deal with private clients, which is mostly what we're involved in at our Taunton office."

Rob was the top wicket-keeper on the county circuit last season, though he was unhappy with his batting form after a good start.

He said: "It made people realise that I'm still a force to be reckoned with and it was good for me to have one of the younger players snapping at my heels."

Rob, who is married to Lucy and has a young son, Jamie, is already getting ready for the 2004 cricket season.

He said: "Because I'm working full-time I have to get up early to do my training.

"I start my batting sessions at 7.45am and attend the gym on a regular basis first thing in the morning."