Torquay United sign Elliot Benyon and Dale Tonge

Torquay United have signed former Plainmoor favourite Elliot Benyon and Dale Tonge on free transfers.

Benyon made 125 appearances for the Gulls between 2007-2011, scoring 39 goals before joining Swindon Town.

The 25-year-old striker, who has been released by Southend, spent the end of last season on loan at Plainmoor, scoring four times in 12 matches.

Right-back Tonge, 28, joins from League Two rivals Rotherham United, where he spent five seasons.

Torquay manager Alan Knill was delighted to secure the signing Benyon on a permanent deal.

Knill told the club website: "He was brilliant at the end of the season and I think everyone saw that the longer he was here, the better he became and the fitter he became.

''The goals then started to come and he really enjoys being in this area. He loves the football club, feels comfortable living here and was comfortable playing for my team last year.

''He is such a hard worker on the pitch and that enthusiasm for hard work rubs off on everybody."