Brentford defender Leon Legge has completed a permanent move to npower League Two Gillingham.

The 27-year-old centre back joined the Kent side on loan as the January Transfer Window opened with a view to heading to Priestfield on a full time basis later in the month.

His initial loan deal expired after Gillingham’s match against Northampton Town on Tuesday but he has now made the switch permanent.

Leon made five appearances for The Gills, who climbed back to the top of League Two as when they beat Northampton Town on Tuesday, while on loan.

Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler said: “I’d like to thank Leon for his contribution and his professionalism since he joined the Club.

"I have a lot of respect for players that come into the game via non league football, rather than the Academy system.

"He was very dedicated at Brentford and developed as a player but I couldn’t give him his wish to play regular first team football.

"I felt he was still an important member of the squad but I think it’s very important that both parties are happy and we accepted Leon’s desire to join Gillingham and wish him all the best for the future."

Leon signed for Brentford from Tonbridge Angels in the summer of 2009.

The powerful central defender played non-league football for Eastbourne United and Lewes among others before giving up his job as a care worker for adults with learning difficulties to turn professional.

He made his debut in September 2009 and started his first Football League game in December 2009.

Leon was named E.ON Player of the Round for his performance against Walsall in the FA Cup Second Round, only his third start for The Bees, and was named Supporters' 'Player of the Year' at the end of his debut season.