ESSEX have awarded all-rounder Grant Flower a one-year extension to his contract. Flower, 38, the brother of England head coach Andy, has been with Essex since 2005. He is a key member of their one-day and Twenty20 squad, while also taking on a mentoring

ESSEX have awarded all-rounder Grant Flower a one-year extension to his contract.

Flower, 38, the brother of England head coach Andy, has been with Essex since 2005.

He is a key member of their one-day and Twenty20 squad, while also taking on a mentoring role with the second eleven.

Flower, who will now remain at Chelmsford until the end of the 2010 season, told the club's website: "It is a real pleasure to be extending my stay with Essex for another season.

"There is still plenty of cricket left to play this season and we need to get back to winning ways."

Essex head coach Paul Grayson was also pleased to have Flower on board for another year.

"I am delighted that Grant is staying with us for another season," he said.

"He consistently offers us so much in one-day cricket and also with the second XI.

"Grant is one of the best professionals I have worked with at Essex and is a highly respected member of the squad.