Sussex batsman Joe Gatting today signed a new contract which ties him to the county until 2012.

The 22-year-old batsman joined the county earlier this year having quit his football career with Albion and quickly made an impression with 152 on his first class debut against Cambridge UCCE in April.

Gatting played in nine games during Sussex's run to the final of the Friends Provident Trophy and averaged 44.3 as the Sharks retained their Pro40 title, including 99 not out against Yorkshire at Scarborough.

Gatting said: "I'm delighted to sign a new deal and commit my future to Sussex. There isn’t a better place to play your cricket. I want to keep on improving and this is the place to do it. I'm looking forward to helping Sussex get back into the top division where they belong."