WORCESTERSHIRE'S Graeme Hick today ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract which keep him at New Road until the end of the 2006 season.

The long-term deal represents an additional two years on the record-breaking batsman's existing contract. Hick said: "I'm delighted we have been able to resolve this matter and I would like to thank all the members and supporters who have written and expressed their support over the last month."

New Road chief executive Mark Newton said: "Graeme is an icon of Worcestershire cricket and the club is delighted to have secured his long term future.

"Graeme's contribution to Worcestershire has been immense and I'm sure I speak on behalf of all supporters when I say how pleased we are with this news and how much we look forward to seeing him score many more hundreds in the years to come."

Speculation over 36-year-old Hick's future mounted following the County's recent decision to replace him as skipper with Ben Smith.