COLCHESTER batsman Charlie Allison says it is a 'proud moment' to sign his first full contract with Essex Cricket Club.

The new two-year deal will keep the talented 19-year-old at The Cloud County Ground until the end of the 2026 season.

Allison, who was previously on a rookie deal, has agreed full terms to keep him at the club, whom he has represented since childhood.

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Allison said: โ€œItโ€™s a really proud moment for me to sign my first full contract with Essex.

โ€œIโ€™ve worked really hard to get to this point, but Iโ€™m also grateful for all the faith that has been put in me by the Pathway staff and coaches.

โ€œIโ€™ve been at this club since I was eight years old, so to be able to carry on doing it at this level means a huge amount.

โ€œIโ€™m extremely excited to get back out there after the winter and repay that trust with some good performances in front of the brilliant Essex fans!โ€

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Allison made his full debut away to Lancashire in last seasonโ€™s Metro Bank One Day Cup, going on to notch 254 runs in that competition as his prodigious talent caught the eye.

The Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club member has since appeared seven times this season for Essex in the Vitality Blast, registering a batting average of 59.50 and a top score of 69 not out in the shortest format.

He added a further three appearances in this summerโ€™s One Day Cup, and now has four half-centuries to his name in List A cricket.

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Allison has also received international recognition, being called up to England Under-19s for Januaryโ€™s Under-19 World Cup, among other Youth ODIs and two Youth Tests against Australia last September.

As a youngster, Allison has also benefited from the coaching at Piri Piri Cricket led by Colchester bowler Ben Stephens.

Back in 2012, he enjoyed prominence as a six-year-old after footage of his excellent batting technique was posted on YouTube by PiriPiri Cricket.

Essex Chair of the Cricket Committee Jason Gallian said: โ€œCharlie is one of the most highly-rated prospects not just at this club, but on the county cricket circuit, and as such, weโ€™re absolutely delighted to extend his contract for another two years.

โ€œIn recent years, we have a strong track record at Essex of putting our faith in young players and improving them to reach higher levels, and weโ€™re thrilled that Charlie views this Club as the best place to continue his development.โ€