Chesney Hughes handed Derbyshire contract

Chesney Hughes, the Anguilla-born left-handed batsman, has been awarded a three-year contract with Derbyshire. Hughes, 19, made his first-class debut in the County Championship this season and in four games has shown a lot of promise, scoring 393 runs at 65.50. He holds a British passport, and his contract with the county runs till the 2013 season.

"Chesney Hughes has shown a great deal of promise from the moment he joined the club and he deserves the reward of a new contract," said John Morris, Derbyshire's head of cricket. "We are delighted that he has committed to Derbyshire for the next three years as he continues to develop as a cricketer."

Derbyshire chairman Don Amott lauded Hughes' signing, and also took the opportunity to point out positive developments off the field such as the recent opening of a new 1,800-seater stand at the County Ground.

"Retaining our young talent is a crucial element in that success and I'm sure that all Derbyshire supporters share my excitement in continuing to watch Chesney develop his considerable talent for the next three seasons," Amott added.