Butcher will remain at The Oval until 2008 © Getty Images

Mark Butcher, the Surrey captain, has extended his contract with the club to keep him at The Oval until at least the end of the 2008 season.

"Securing Mark's services until the end of 2008 is great news for the club," said Alan Butcher, Mark's father and Surrey's cricket manager. "Having his leadership is a huge bonus as he is very well respected by all of the squad, not to mention his invaluable contributions with the bat." Butcher was instrumental in leading Surrey back into Division One of the Championship last season, scoring 1418 runs at 59.08.

In addition to Butcher, Surrey also extended the contracts of Neil Sake, Jade Dernbach, Richard Clinton and Stewart Walters.