YOUNG Essex duo Jamie Porter and Dan Lawrence have extended their existing contracts by further years.

Both Porter and Lawrence have signed for an extra year with the former's contract now running until 2019 and the latter's expiring at the end of the 2018 season.

The duo continue to go from strength to strength as the opening bowler has taken 50 County Championship for the second successive campaign and Lawrence has scored close to 800 runs.

Both have also seen their form recognised as they were recently named on the Specsavers One to Watch shortlist.

"There is nowhere I would rather continue my career at the moment," said Porter. "I love being part of this squad of players and hope we can continue to enjoy success together.

"On a personal front I am ecstatic to take 50 wickets in successive County Championship seasons and hope I can continue that over the coming years."

Lawrence is equally delighted to sign for an extra year.

"I'm very happy to have extended my contract for another year," he said. "I am extremely excited to be able to contribute towards winning as many trophies as possible over what will hopefully be a very successful few years for the club."