ACCRINGTON professional Nathan Astle will be back at Thorneyholme Road next season.

The New Zealand Test star has put pen to paper on a new one year contract.

And officials of the Transco Lancashire League club were today celebrating a successful conclusion following two weeks of talks.

"We're absolutely delighted," said chairman Peter Barratt.

"We are looking to improve our cricket all the time and this season has been a lot better in that respect.

"And a lot of that has been down to Nathan's attitude around the place and the way he has generated interest back in the club.

"His own performances have been excellent and the rest of the team have now got more confidence in themselves.

"So to have him back next season again is brilliant news for everyone concerned."

Accrington are currently ninth in the table thanks to over 700 runs and 50 wickets from Astle.

But the Kiwi will go home early before the end of the season in order to link up with New Zealand for a tournament in Hong Kong.

"We knew about that early on so it's not as if it is something that's been dropped on us," added Barratt.