Hitchin Town's highly-rated striker Callum Stead has joined South Shields.

The Canaries frontman and fans' firm favourite has accepted an offer to join Northern League Premier Division side South Shields on a non-contract deal.

The 21-year-old joins after an impressive spell at Top Field, including this term, where he scored four goals in the first six games of the campaign.

Stead also grabbed the winner in what proved to be his final league game for Hitchin, his late strike sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Barwell at Top Field last week.

Stead previously appeared for Luton Town's academy before a successful stint at Welwyn Garden City.

A Hitchin Town spokesperson said: "Whilst Callum has quickly become a fans favourite during his time at Top Field, both the financial package and the opportunity of full-time football were things we are unable to compete with as a club.

"We thank Callum for his time with Hitchin Town FC and will fondly remember his scary-quick pace and finishing abilities, and wish him all the best for the future.

"As we all know, the non-league game is a funny thing, he may even return one day.

"Good luck, Callum."

The lively Stead had been compared to Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy by Canaries boss Mark Burke last season while impressing for Hitchin last season.

Speaking to the South Shields website after the move to the northern non-league giants, Stead said: "This is a great opportunity for me and I'm excited to be here.

"The club is on the up and it felt right from the moment signing here was a possibility.

"Now I just can't wait to get to know the lads and pull on a South Shields shirt for the first time."