North End sign Billington

Billington: Signed deal at Deepdale

Preston have completed the signing of former Blackburn defender Alex Billington.

Billington, who had joined the club on work experience from Blackburn earlier this year, has agreed a contract until the summer of 2012.

Preston have also offered professional contracts to four second-year scholars - goalkeeper Dominic Comrie, full-back Scott Leather, midfielder Seanan Clucas and forward Michael McLellan.

All the deals have the option to be extended for a second year, meaning the players could stay at Deepdale until at least the summer of 2013.

Preston chairman Maurice Lindsay believes signing the youngsters is a key part of the club's rebuilding plans following their relegation from the Championship.

"This is part of the Preston rebuilding programme," said Lindsay.

"All of these players have shown tremendous promise over the last 12 months and are a credit to our youth development policy."