Essex have handed seam bowler Tony Palladino a one-year contract to keep him at Chelmsford for the 2010 season.
Palladino, 26, has taken 76 wickets at an average of 38.68 since his first-class debut six years ago.
"I am really pleased to have signed a contract extension with Essex," he told the county's official website.
"I have been here for eleven years from youth team through to the first XI. I love playing for the club and pulling on the shirt. I hope I can contribute to more success for the club.
"I am going to Namibia to play in a first-class competition over the winter months. This is in the South African Airways domestic competition and this will give me the ideal opportunity to prepare for a big season in 2010 with Essex."
Valuable
Essex first team coach Paul Grayson added: "We are really pleased that the deal has been agreed.
"When Tony has come into the side this season he has performed well but unfortunately he sustained a few niggles.
"He is a valuable member of our squad and also our bowling unit. After this winter we are confident he will come back an even better player next season."
