STEEPLE Ashton cricketer James Vince has signed a new long-term contract and been named as Hampshire club captain.

The 24-year-old former Warminster School pupil, who also played cricket for Warminster and Chippenham, will remain at the Ageas Bowl until at least the end of the 2019 campaign.

England Lions skipper Vince took over as temporary captain of Hampshire's four-day team in July as the side avoided relegation from Division One of the LV= County Championship.

“I’m delighted to have this opportunity to become club captain – I really enjoyed the taste of it I had this year and I feel I’ve got much more to offer," Vince said.

"Year in, year out, we compete in limited overs competitions, so I’m hoping we can go on to win trophies over the next few years and challenge at the top of the Championship, which I feel we are more than capable of doing.

"I am very grateful to Hampshire for giving me opportunities at a young age and it’s a great feeling to have signed to the club for the next four years.''

Vince, who was awarded with his first full England call-up at the end of April 2015, will spend the winter skippering the Lions team in a five-match T20 series against Pakistan A in the UAE in December.