Sussex have secured young fast bowler Stuart Whittingham for at least the next two years.

The 22-year-old academy product has been rewarded for his progress this year with a new deal that runs until the end of the 2018 campaign.

Whittingham signed as a junior professional last summer but his development as a first XI wicket-taker has been one of the bright spots of a challenging season for the county.

He has played six Championship matches, taking 18 wickets.

News of his contract comes hot on the heels of a similar forward-thinking move to secure Jofra Archer’s services at Hove.

Whittingham was born in Derby but moved south at a young age and played age-group cricket at Sussex League outfit Roffey.

He said: “It’s been a dream of mine to play for Sussex and to have the chance to do that over the next two years is the dream come true.

“Now it’s back to working hard, trying to improve every day, and trying to put in as many good performances for the club as I can to help them win games.

“I’m very pleased with my progress this year; I couldn’t have asked it to go any better.

“The season started really well for me in the second team, I got a lot of confidence from taking wickets there and to bring it in to the first team and carry on taking wickets has been massive for me.”

Sussex are preparing to host Gloucestershire from Saturday.

Head coach Mark Davis said: “Stu is a very exciting prospect, who has been given an opportunity this season and grabbed it with both hands.

“He is another one of our young players that has progressed through the youth system and gone on to make an impact in the first-team this season, and at times he has led the attack with pace and aggression.”