Caddick took 234 wickets in 62 Test Matches for England (Getty)

Veteran fast bowler Andrew Caddick has agreed a new one-year deal to stay at Somerset for the 2009 season.

Caddick, 39, has spent much of this year recovering from major back surgery but has now returned to fitness.

"He has been a wonderful servant and is vital to the continued development of the side," director of cricket Brian Rose told the club website.

"I am keen for him to pass on his advice and experience. You cannot replace someone of his know-how."

New Zealand-born Caddick played 62 Test matches for England, the last of which was on the Ashes tour of 2003.

With the recent retirement of Keith Parsons, Caddick is by far the longest-serving player at Somerset, having first represented the county second XI in 1989.

I want to help Somerset win the Championship for the first time Andy Caddick

"Recovering from back surgery took longer than I thought, although my surgeon tells me he has never known anyone get over that operation as quickly," he said.

"There are still times when my body complains at what I am asking it to do but, when everything is right, my pace is still there and I will only get better with more games.

"It would be nice to help groom whoever will eventually replace me in the team but for the moment all my efforts will be going into continuing to take wickets for Somerset.

"I want to help Somerset win the Championship for the first time and that could happen in the next five or six weeks."