Jim Provett and Ben Leonard have both put pen to paper on twelve months deals.

Jim Provett enjoyed a remarkable 2003/2004 campaign for Hartlepool United when he was thrust in to the number one spot at Victoria Park and made the shirt his own. At the end of his first full season in the First Team he scooped both the Players' and the Fans' Player of the year Awards.

However, after losing his place to Dimitrios Konstantopoulos in the 2004/05 season, Jim has failed to reclaim the top spot and has been a regular for the Reserve Team.The Trimdon born keeper is known for his hard work and good attitude. A very vocal keeper on the pitch and a good organiser of his defence.

After a total of 66 appearances for Pools, Jim rejected a new contract and headed to Gigg Lane where he spent most of the pre-season campaign on trial with the Shakers.

Having played in all the Shakers pre-seasons games, Jim now becomes a fully fledged Shaker for the next year.

Joining him will be midfielder Ben Leonard.The 23-year-old midfielder has now completed a dream move to Bury, after being offered his first professional football contract.

Leonard was one of several trialists on show during the 1-0 victory over Radcliffe Borough in midweek, where he impressed sufficiently to earn a 12-month deal at Gigg Lane.

The young midfielder was also playing Saturday football for Dinnington Town in the Northern Counties League - a club which also reared former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United star Scott Sellars.

He was spotted by chief scout Gary Simpson playing parks football.But director of football Keith Alexander, who has never been afraid to dip his toe into the non-league waters in the past, hopes Leonard will continue his progress at Bury.

Director of football Keith Alexander gave the following quick statement once the two players had signed their respective:  "We are extremely delighted to have both Jim and Ben on board with us for the next 12 months."