YORK ace Jack Leaning and Stamford Bridge star Will Rhodes are the latest players to pen long-term contracts with Yorkshire.

They will now remain at Headingley until at least December 2017.

The duo join batting pair Alex Lees and Adam Lyth and bowling pair Steve Patterson and Ryan Sidebottom in committing their futures to the county since the start of the year.

Both players enjoyed successful years of differing kinds last season.

Versatile batsman Leaning, 21-years-old, broke through into Yorkshire’s first team and played a significant part in their LV= County Championship title success with 465 runs from ten matches, including a best of 99 against Sussex at Arundel.

He also hit a maiden first-team century in a 50-over clash against Essex at Scarborough in August, though he could not prevent defeat.

Although all-rounder Rhodes did not feature in the first team in 2014, he skippered England Under-19s to the semi-final of the one-day World Cup and then Yorkshire’s Academy to an unprecedented league and cup double.

Leaning, currently playing winter grade cricket with the Sydney-based club Sutherland in Australia, said: “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract.

“I am still learning my trade as a professional cricketer. It was very special to be part of a winning team last year in my first full season, and I hope that I can continue to progress and contribute to the long-term success of the club.”

Right-handed Leaning, the son of former York City goalkeeper Andy Leaning, was born in Bristol but brought up in York, and is linked to York Cricket Club.

Only last weekend, he captained Sutherland U21s to victory over Northern Districts in the Grand Final of the 50-over Poidevin-Gray Shield competition, helping the club celebrate their 50th anniversary year in style.

Leaning hit a 102-ball 71 in Sutherland’s 241-9 before taking two wickets with his ever-improving off-spinners as ND were bowled out for 180. Leaning claimed the man-of-the-match award.

While Leaning is enjoying some competitive match action ahead of next month’s pre-season tour to the UAE and the start of the season in April, Rhodes is training with the senior squad indoors at Headingley this winter.

“I am enjoying my cricket and, in particular, being part of the Yorkshire set-up,” said the 19-year-old, who was born in Hull.

“There is a great spirit among the group, and I just love coming into Headingley every day and working on my game.

“I felt that I had a good season last year with the England U19s and the Yorkshire second XI.

“My aim is to continue to work hard, play well and be part of the senior set-up over the next few years. I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Rhodes is one of the young players who could benefit if a significant number of the Yorkshire squad get called up to England’s Test tour of the West Indies, which runs through April and into May.