PAUL COLLINGWOOD has signed a new contract with Durham for next summer.

The winner of three awards at this week’s player of the year evening, Collingwood will next year stretch his career to a 23rd year.

“I am so proud to still be playing for my home County who have given me the perfect environment to fulfil all of my cricketing dreams,” he said.

"I’ve proven this season that I still have a lot to offer and I feel my role at Durham is still important in helping develop the next generation of Durham cricketers.

"I know that this club still has so much to offer English Cricket and despite a challenging season I still feel we can compete for promotion back to the first division in 2018.

“We will keep fighting, that’s the Durham spirit, we will keep giving opportunities to home grown players and offering chances for them to play first class cricket.

“We have to fight right from the top to the bottom of the club, Durham is a fantastic place to play and they have given me everything over the years.

“I will try and help them right until I have zero energy left, at the minute I still have plenty.”

Club chairman Ian Botham said: “To keep a player of Paul’s experience and ability at the club is a massive bonus as we continue to strive for promotion back to the top division.

“Paul epitomise the values of Durham CCC, both on and off the field, as well as still being a fine player who leads from the front in the role of club captain.

“We are delighted to have his services in 2018.”