LANCASHIRE'S player of the year Stuart Law has signed a new contract with the county.

After two seasons at Old Trafford Law was out of contract, but the Red Rose club have stated as soon as the season ended that they wanted to complete new one-year deals with both Law and his overseas colleague Carl Hooper.

"It's been a great couple of years for me here," said Law.

"I've enjoyed every minute, plus to work with such a great bunch of lads and with team manager Mike Watkinson, I couldn't have asked for more.

"I'm really looking forward to next season and helping club to more success. I would love to finish my career at Lancashire."

Law's agent, John Barnett of Classic Sports Management, who negotiated the new contract, added, "It has been a pleasure dealing with Lancashire County Cricket Club and Stuart has, of course, had a fantastic season.

"He's really enjoyed playing with Lancashire and is looking forward to further successes there."

Law had an absolutely outstanding season breaking a number of batting records, scoring seven Championship centuries and, during his innings of 163 not out against Sussex, went past 21,000 first-class runs.

His total for season of 1,820 is his best since he scored 1,833 in 1999 for Essex.

Lancashire will face minor counties league side Staffordshire in the opening round of next season's C&G Trophy.

The Red Rose side, who were beaten semi-finalists this season when they went down to Worcestershire, are away and will meet Staffordshire on Wednesday, May 5, with the venue to be confirmed.

If Lancashire win through they will face another away trip having been drawn to travel to the winner of the tie between Durham and new county champions Sussex.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have insisted they "don't take decisions on money alone" as they consider whether to tour Zimbabwe next year.

Key sponsors Vodafone have expressed their dissatisfaction with the planned tour to a country still ruled by President Robert Mugabe, who is accused of human rights violations.

England pulled out of their World Cup match in Zimbabwe earlier this year but, after the Africans toured England this summer, are still pencilled in to visit for a series of Tests and one-day internationals.

Des Wilson, head of the ECB's corporate affairs committee, was keen to stress that Vodafone's position did not threaten their sponsorship deal.

He said: "Vodafone have not said they would withdraw the money. They have merely indicated they would be unhappy about the tour."