Wes Durston signs full-time with Derbyshire

Wes Durston, the middle-order batsman, has signed a full-time contract with Derbyshire until the end of the 2012 season. He has been a part of the Derbyshire side for the Friends Provident T20 tournament, but is now eligible to play for the county in all competitions.

Durston, 29, represented Somerset from 2002 to 2009 in 34 first-class games, averaging 38.35 before being released following the conclusion of the Champions League Twenty20 last year. He made his List A debut in 2000, playing for Derbyshire, before moving to Somerset.

Durston signed up with the Unicorns - the ECB's Recreational XI of the best un-contracted players in the country - and smashed 117 from just 68 deliveries to lead them to a record chase against Sussex in a Clydesdale Bank 40 clash in May this year. He was snapped up by Derbyshire for the domestic Twenty20 tournament and proved his worth, scoring a century against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge followed by an unbeaten 71 against Durham.

John Morris, Derbyshire's Head of Cricket, said of Durston: "The original Friends Provident t20 contract signed by Wes gave him an opportunity to prove himself.

"The way he has performed in all facets of the game, as well as his attitude and professionalism both on and off the field, has convinced us that he will be an excellent addition to our squad for all forms of cricket."