RYAN SIDEBOTTOM has become the fourth player within the last month to sign an extended contract with Yorkshire, committing himself to the county champions for a further year until December 2016.

Fellow pace bowler Steve Patterson penned a new contract earlier this week alongside England Lions batsman Alex Lees. Last month, Adam Lyth did likewise.

The 37-year-old, born in Huddersfield, embarks upon his 18th season of first-class cricket in 2015, with the aim to complete 20 as a professional by the time he hangs up his boots.

He has won the LV= County Championship four times, twice with Yorkshire and twice with Nottinghamshire. The left-armer is also within touching distance of 700 first-class career wickets and 1,000 in all forms.

“I am absolutely delighted to be signing a new deal,” said Sidebottom. “It’s been a great couple of years for the club, with us winning the Championship and continuing to improve.

“I think it shows where the club is going, and I still love playing - the passion is still there. I enjoy coming in and playing with a great bunch of lads.

“We can do great things if we keep continuing in the same vain. It’s about working hard for each other and to build on that team spirit and camaraderie and togetherness. This is a special club - for me, the best around.”

Off the field, Sidebottom has set up a cricket foundation in his name. Along with a team of coaches, courses are run regularly throughout the Yorkshire area, while he is also working with a group of under privileged children to improve their cricket and life skills.

On the field, the ex-England bowler is 37 wickets away from 700 first-class, an achievable target this summer, especially with the champion county match against the MCC in Abu Dhabi next month added to the fixture list.

“To get to 700 wickets would be brilliant,” he added.

“I am aware of that milestone, and I would like to go beyond that figure. That is the challenge I’ve set myself. I just want to remain focused on the cricket. The younger guys keep me going, keep me fit and motivated.

“I enjoy coming in, it’s exciting, and I want to be a part of this. I’m passionate about playing, my body is in good shape, and I feel great.

“I want to take wickets for Yorkshire. It’s about winning things, and that’s why I’m here.”