WORCESTERSHIRE legend Graeme Hick has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal at New Road.

In 2007, the former England man, who recently became the second player since the war to score 100 first-class hundreds for his county, will be strapping on his pads for the 24th season.

There had been speculation that Hick was mulling over a move to Derbyshire after they put in a 28-day approach to speak to him.

However, the 40-year-old was keen to underline his committment to the Worcestershire cause after agreeing his new deal.

He said: "I have played my whole career here and the club means a great deal to me, so I am delighted to have signed a new deal.

"The speculation that has been around during the last week or so has been a little bit frustrating for the club and myself.

"My heart has always been with Worcester so it is nice just to resolve the situation, put it to bed and now we can concentrate on the cricket ahead of us.

"All I received from Derbyshire was what (director of cricket) Davie Houghton put on a text.

"He said that if I ever did leave the club, they might be interested. There was nothing more to it than that and when he spoke to me I said 'Davie, If that happened I'd be very, very surprised, but thank you for the call'.

"I'm just glad that is out the way now and I can carry on with my future here.

"I've not thought about how long I will play on for, it is purely about how I feel at the time and my performance.

"At the end of last season there were a couple of questions I wanted to answer for myself this year and the cricket I've played up until now has certainly done that for me.

"I still feel fit enough and I am enjoying my cricket this year a lot.

"That is partly why I would like to carry on. The side is playing good cricket and I am contributing and I feel that I have done what Steve (Rhodes, director of cricket) has asked of me this year."

Worcestershire chairman John Elliott added: "Graeme is a legend of Worcestershire cricket and I am delighted that he is to continue his long career with us.

"This is very good news for all our members and supporters."

Hick has enjoyed a successful 2006 season so far, averaging just over 37 in first-class cricket while batting at number five.

He said: "Batting at five is what Steve wanted and in the Championship it gives me a little time to put my feet up for a change and watch someone else go in.

"In one-day cricket I'm still not overly sure about it personally, but it is where Steve and Vikram want me to bat and, as a team we all have a role to play, so I will try and do that job the best I can."