BOLTON cricketer Callum Parkinson has extended his contract with Leicestershire County Cricket Club for a further year.

The 20-year-old, whose twin brother Matt plays for Lancashire and Egerton in the Greater Manchester Cricket League Premier Division, will now remain at the Fischer County Ground until at least the end of the 2019 season.

The slow, left-arm spinner has impressed in his first season at Leicestershire after switching from Derbyshire last year.

The ex-Canon Slade pupil played a key role in Leicestershire Foxes’ NatWest T20 Blast run to the quarter-finals, picking up 15 wickets at an average of 25.13.

He was an ever-present in the side and had an impressive economy rate of eight runs per over.

Parkinson also played in the final Royal London One-Day Cup game of the campaign at Yorkshire Vikings, taking 1-44 in a game where the Foxes came close to qualifying for the play-off match.

The youngster has taken 17 first-class wickets in his career and recently made a career-best with the bat with a fine knock of 75 at Kent during a vital last-wicket partnership.

Parkinson told the club's official website: "I’ve really enjoyed my first season at Leicestershire County Cricket Club and extending my contract by a further year was an easy decision to make.”

Leicestershire chief executive Wasim Khan MBE added: “Callum has made a real impact since joining us and has a lot of potential.

"We are delighted that Callum has signed a contract extension with us and look forward to him continuing his development at the Fischer County Ground."