KENT seam bowler Ben Trott is looking forward to the 2004 season with high hopes after penning a new one-year contract to keep him at St Lawrence.

For a few weeks this winter, Trott's future hung precariously in the balance as Kent mulled over their contract offers and retained list.

Other counties, scenting a possible departure for the Somerset-born bowler, made tentative overtures, before Trott finally agreed terms for a sixth season on the Canterbury staff.

Explaining the thinking behind his decision to stay put, Trott said: "I'm excited about the prospect of playing under Dave Fulton. The skipper is fully backing my ability and our new umbrella of coaches clearly want Kent's players to achieve at the highest level.

"With all this in mind, and an opportunity to further my development in the warmer climes of Australia after Christmas, I feel I've the backing to achieve my goals.

"Fitness and technical development are top of my list this winter and the appointment of new fitness trainers to provide comprehensive individual regimes has given me the knowledge and support to build a solid physical base.

"I'd also like to thank the Kent supporters who took the time to write to the club website or who stopped me on the street to offer their support.It was very much appreciated."

A niggling side strain and the vagaries of limited overs selection led to a frustrating 2003 for Trott so, not surprisingly, he is hoping to rekindle the form of 2001 when he lent Martin Saggers invaluable support by taking 47 first-class wickets.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that Kent's club shop, The Eleventh Wicket, has agreed to sell the branded leisurewear of Maidstone-based all-star side Lashings next summer.