Exciting young Sussex bowler George Garton has set his sights on breaking into the first team after being handed a two-year contract extension.

Garton, 18, signed a junior professional contact in November but the Brighton-born youngster has now penned a new deal which will keep him at the 1st Central County Ground until at least the end of the 2018 season.

The left-arm seamer’s contract follows his involvement with England under-19s at the World Cup in February.

It has been quite a year for Garton who first featured for England under-19s against the touring Australians last summer before going on to spend some of this winter on the Potential England Performance Programme (PEPP) in South Africa.

He is now hungry to grasp his opportunity at Sussex.

Garton said: “Obviously I’m very happy. I’ve grown up playing my cricket here, from the under-10s team, right through to the academy and I was delighted to sign a junior professional contract at the end of last year.

“It’s now nice to have that comfort zone for the next three years, it’s a cushion that means I can focus and concentrate on what happens on the pitch. I want to perform and play as much cricket as possible.”

Garton’s initial aim for 2016 is to improve at all levels, which includes progressing himself from a bowler that bats a bit to an all-rounder.

He hopes that will lead to 1st XI opportunities.

Garton said: “With the contract, the cushion, I think it has taken a lot of pressure off the stats, it is more to perform well, get to know your body, your action, get to know how you play your cricket.

“It is more just personal development but I would love to make my debut and play as much cricket as possible. If my performances lead me to 1st XI cricket, then that is the end goal.”

Garton believes the Under-19 World Cup was a great experience, even if he did not play until the final game.

He added: “The World Cup was a really good experience out in Bangladesh, learning how much they love cricket and also seeing the other side of things, the poverty, the deprivation, put things into perspective.”

Sussex head coach Mark Davis said: “George is a young player with a very bright future. His potential as an all-rounder is very exciting and he has already shown glimpses of his talent at England under-19 level.

“To have a young Sussex lad who has come through the system sign a long-term contract is very exciting and is testament to our youth system in Sussex.”