STRIKER Billy Bodin has left Bristol Rovers to join Championship side Preston North End for an undisclosed fee.

The news was announced last night by the club.

A statement on the club website said: "With the transfer window opening on January 1 and the fact that he was out of contract in the summer, there has been a great deal of speculation regarding his future in the last few days, but tonight he has agreed terms at Deepdale.

"The 25-year-old spent the summer of 2015 training with Darrell Clarke’s squad and was offered a short term permanent deal just before the start of the 2015/16 campaign.

"He began his career with Swindon Town, going on to score three goals in 16 league appearances for the club.

"During his time at the County Ground he spent time on loan at both Torquay United and Crewe Alexandra before making a permanent move to Torquay in the summer of 2012.

"There were six goals in 70 league appearances for The Gulls but towards the end of his time at Plainmoor he suffered knee ligament damage playing for Torquay against Dagenham & Redbridge.

"That was in April 2014 and, having spent time during his rehabilitation programme with Northampton Town, he signed for The Cobblers in January 2015 and remained at Sixfields until the summer of that year, making four appearances for them, all from the bench.

"Billy has represented Wales at U-17, U-19 and U-21 levels and with his injury problems behind him, he was offered a deal at the Memorial Stadium as the 2015/16 campaign began and he made his Rovers debut on 8th August 2015 when going on as a second half substitute in the opening day's fixture against Northampton Town. He scored his first Rovers goal against Hartlepool United in September 2015.

"Following a hugely successful first season with the club, in which he scored 13 goals, he signed a new contract in the summer of 2016.

"Billy scored his first career hat trick against Coventry City on Boxing Day 2016 and scored another 13 league goals in 2016/17.

"His goal against Oldham Athletic last Saturday was his 11th of the current season and his final appearance in a Rovers shirt came on New Year’s Day in the 2-1 win against Portsmouth at The Memorial Stadium.

"Billy leaves the club having made 107 appearances in all competitions.

"We thank Billy for all his efforts during his time at the Club and wish him the best for the future."