LUKE Norris has left Colchester United to sign for their League Two rivals Stevenage.

The 27-year-old striker, who was due to be out of contract in the summer, has signed for Boro until the end of the season.

Norris made 96 appearances during his time with the U's and scored 23 goals, after joining Colchester from Swindon Town in the summer of 2018 for an undisclosed fee.

Colchester's Director of Football Tony Humes told the U's website: "You always knew what you were getting with Luke.

"He worked hard whenever he played, and that hard work extended to the training ground with his strong and quick recoveries from injuries.

"As we have said in the past, we'll always look at it carefully if a deal comes along that suits all parties.

"In this case, it does and we thank Luke for his efforts here and wish him all the best for the future."

Norris, who has made more than 300 career appearances, is one of three new signings announced by Stevenage today.

The forward, who was born in Stevenage, will link up again with former U's skipper Luke Prosser, who joined Stevenage in the summer.

The League Two strugglers have also signed Chris Lines from Northampton Town and Matty Stevens on loan from Forest Green Rovers, until the end of the season.

Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace told the club's website: "We are pleased with these first three additions early in the window and they allow us to settle down and be patient over the next one or two incomings. The management know where they want to strengthen but sometimes you have to wait for the right opportunity.

"At the moment things are definitely going in the right direction. I believe we are starting to see the benefits of the hard work and planning coming through in the results lately and we are very positive about our targets and ambitions for 2021."