MATT Walker has signed a contract extension with Essex Cricket Club.

The 36-year-old, who joined Essex from Kent in 2009, has committed for an additional year until the end of the 2011 season.

Walker has scored 733 runs so far this season in first-class cricket, with an additional 211 runs in the Clydesdale Bank 40 and 375 runs in the Friends Provident t20.

The popular batsman said: “It is a real honour to have signed for an additional year.

“I have loved my two years so far with Essex and have enjoyed working with both the lads in the dressing room and everyone else involved in the club.

“I feel my game has improved under the guidance of Paul (Grayson) and I hope to achieve more success across all formats of the game in the years to come.”

Essex’s head coach Paul Grayson said: “He has probably been one of the most consistent performers this season in all forms of cricket.”