Carlisle United have continued to bolster their defensive ranks with the signing of Jon Mellish.

Mellish came through the Under-19 system with Gateshead and went on to make a total of 58 appearances for his hometown team but has now left the North-east side to join United, penning his first professional deal.

Last season, he also made his debut for the England C squad in a 1-0 victory over Estonia's Under-23s side before he picked up the National League’s young player of the year award.

After agreeing a contract until the end of the 2019/20 season, with a club option for a further term, Mellish said: "I’m buzzing, to be fair.

"The season only finished two weeks ago and I’m glad it’s been a quick, easy process.

"I’m just glad to be here and have it sorted."

Mellish becomes United's third summer signing, following in the footsteps of fellow defender Jack Iredale and Christie Elliott.

The 21-year-old said he had, had a lot of interest from other clubs but, when asked why he made the switch to Brunton Park, he said: "Just coming here, seeing the stadium, the pitch and the facilities.

"After my chat with the gaffer [Steven Pressley] when I came here when he told me everything he wants from me as a player, and how he wants to play and his ambitions for the club.

"As soon as I left the place, I knew this is where I wanted to be."