Butcher extends Surrey contract

Mark Butcher has extended his contract with Surrey by a year meaning he will be at the club until at least the end of the 2008 season.

Butcher was a key player in Surrey's promotion back to division one of the County Championship scoring 1418 runs at 59.08 as well as impressing with his captaincy.

Alan Butcher, the Surrey cricket manager, said: "Securing Mark's services until the end of 2008 is great news for the club. Having his leadership is a huge bonus as he is very well respected by all of the squad, not to mention his invaluable contributions with the bat."

Young seamers Neil Saker and Jade Dernback have also signed new deals which will take them through to the end of the 2008 season as have Richard Clinton, the opening batsman, and allrounder Stewart Walters.