North agrees new Gloucestershire contract

Marcus North, the Australia batsman, has agreed to extend his stay at Gloucestershire for another season. North, 28, has previously played for Lancashire, Durham and Derbyshire and joined Gloucestershire for a short period earlier this season.

"I am extremely proud to return to Gloucestershire for the 2008 season," North said. "I thoroughly enjoyed my brief stint there and am looking forward to the opportunity of playing a full season.

"Mark Alleyne has assembled a talented and ambitious squad that looks set for a bright future, and I am grateful for the chance to contribute towards the success of the team next year."

In five Championship matches this season North scored 565 runs at an average of 56.l5, with three hundreds.