Friday 28 October 2016 12:39, UK
England fast bowler Mark Wood has given Durham a huge boost by signing a new three-year contract.
The new deal keeps Wood - who is currently out of action with an ankle injury - at the club until the end of 2019 season, some rare good news for Durham who have had a difficult autumn off the pitch.
Durham have been relegated to Division Two because of financial difficulties and they needed help from the ECB and local council to secure their future. Captain Mark Stoneman and leg-spinning batsman Scott Borthwick have both left to pursue their careers with Surrey.
Wood, who hails from the north-east, said: "I'm delighted to be honest; throughout the year, I was desperate to stay."
"Three years was one of my main drivers, I wanted to not just stay for one or two, I wanted to make sure I was here to make a difference for a long period of time.
"The recent setback we have had gives us a chance to make a big impact and hopefully along with my England duties, I can push the club forward in a good light.
"I'm a north-east lad from the region, I want to make a difference for this club and I've been here since I was 16/17 years old so I'm delighted I can stay on longer and continue my Durham journey."
Chief executive David Harker said: "We're very pleased to have Mark's services once again and a three-year deal shows commitment from both parties.
"There was a great willingness from both parties to get a new deal sorted and we are delighted to have got this over the line.
"His potential is vast and we're glad to be supporting him throughout a time when he will be reaching the prime stages of his career."
