ESSEX seamer Jamie Porter has signed a new three-year contract with the club.

The 22-year-old has been one of the breakthrough stars of this season and will now be staying at the club until at least the end of the 2018 season.

Porter has become the spearhead of the Essex attack this season, having broken into the County Championship side at the end of 2014.

He has been ever present in the four-day game this year taking 52 wickets, at an average of 25.57, so far this season. These performances have seen him nominated for the LV= Breakthrough Player of 2015 award.

He also broke in to the Royal London One-Day Cup side, and took five wickets, with an economy rate of just 5.50 during the competition.

The news will come as something of a relief to Essex, who parted company with first-team coach Paul Grayson last week.

“I’m thrilled to have signed a new contract for another three years with the Club,” said Porter. “This will give me the chance to continue what I’ve been doing this season and keep developing as a player.”

“I have learnt a lot over the past season and have enjoyed taking more of a responsibility with the ball in the County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup.”

Chairman of the Cricket Committee, Ronnie Irani added, “The club are delighted that Jamie has committed his future to Essex. He has a brilliant attitude, a real level head on him and is always willing to improve.

“Jamie has shown this season what a talent he is and now has the opportunity to continue his development for the next three years, and become a key member of the Essex squad.”