Daryl Mitchell is confirmed as Worcestershire captain

Mitchell was born in Worcestershire and came through the club's academy

Daryl Mitchell has been confirmed as the new county captain at New Road after leading Worcestershire to promotion in the County Championship.

Badsey-born Mitchell, 26, one of the few local players on the staff, proved an instant success in the role when he replaced Vikram Solanki in August.

Worcestershire made up a 37-point deficit to pip Glamorgan to promotion on the final day of the season.

And Mitchell has been rewarded with the captaincy and a new four-year contract.

Mitchell is the first Worcestershire captain born within the county boundary in 85 years - since Maurice Foster in 1925.

But his predecessor, Wolverhampton-bred Solanki, came through the ranks at New Road, as did a succession of locally-reared captains between 1952 and 1967 (Ronnie Bird, from Quarry Bank, near Dudley, Hereford-born duo Reg Perks and Peter Richardson, and Wordsley-born Don Kenyon).

"It is an honour to be made captain," said Mitchell. "I am very pleased to commit my future to Worcestershire and I'm looking forward to the season ahead."

Mitchell, who made his debut for the county in 2005, has been established now as part of Worcestershire's opening partnership for the past three summers.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "I am absolutely delighted that Daryl's services of captaincy are secured for next season, and that he has committed his future to the club with a four-year contract.

Daryl will be determined to make sure it's a success next season

Worcestershire coach Steve Rhodes

"I am enjoying working with Daryl, and look forward to seeing his progression as captain."

Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester last week that Mitchell would be continuing at the helm.

"It was my recommendation that Daryl carries on," he said. "He's a tough cookie, like Vikram is, but in different ways.

"Daryl has picked up the reins and managed to get a tune out of the boys. We won four Championship games and drew one, and won four one-dayers and lost one under him.

"That must hurt Vikram, but I am sure he will be delighted for Daryl and all the boys as well. Nobody thinks selfishly at Worcestershire. It's about the team.

"Daryl will be determined to make sure it's a success next season. But, at this stage, what do the public see as a success? For us we will be happy to consolidate a Division One place."