Ben Brown has signed a new long-term contract which will keep him at Sussex until the end of the 2018 season.

The wicketkeeper's current deal was due to expire at the end of next summer but Sussex have moved to tie him down after a breakthrough campaign with the bat in 2015.

The 27-year-old has also been confirmed as Sussex's new vice-captain as revealed in The Argus last month. 

Brown, who made four centuries in the Championship last season and topped 1,000 first class runs for the first time in his career, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to sign for another three years.

"It's a bit longer term that I have signed for before and it's obviously great for me to have the security to go and play how I want to play.

“It was very pleasing on a personal note to play how I did last season in red-ball cricket. There are a few of us now who have signed long-term deals and found consistency across all formats and there is a responsibility for me to become a senior player in the group.

“It's an honour to be named vice-captain and as a homegrown player it's really exciting to reach these milestones in your career."

Brown takes over from Chris Nash as vice-captain and coach Mark Davis believes he will be an ideal right-hand man for new skipper Luke Wright.

Davis said: "We are delighted that Ben has committed himself to the club for a further three years.

“He had a great season in 2015 and we’re looking forward to him continuing his career with Sussex and having the honour of being vice-captain. He is a natural leader who will be of great support to Luke and be a positive influence in the dressing room.”