LOYALTY is a word not often used in modern day sport, but it describes Worcestershire CCC captain Daryl Mitchell to a tee.

The 30-year-old is the epitome of a one-club man, having risen through the ranks at New Road to his current position.

Now, after signing a four-year contract, it is likely the Badsey-born opening batsman will finish his career with the County, and I doubt he would have had it any other way.

“Worcestershire is the only cricket club I ever want to play for,” he said, when he was happy to agree to his new long-term deal.

It is a very admirable stance and one that should really be applauded.

It is the archetypal story of local boy done good.

Mitchell has matured into one of the most respected figures both at New Road and among his peers on the county cricket circuit in the game.

He leads by example and has never been one to hide when the chips have been down for Worcestershire — which they have been on a few occasions.

It would have been easy for him to have sought a new challenge and followed the likes of Vikram Solanki, Gareth Batty and Steven Davies out of New Road.

Instead, he has chosen to stick it out and strive to achieve success with his home county.

He has been rewarded with the greatest achievement of his captaincy — promotion to Division One with a team made up of players who, like himself, have come through the academy.

Mitchell hopes his best years are still ahead of him.

Given this season’s efforts of 2,000 runs in all competitions, who would argue with him?

Worcestershire have now given the all-rounder an opportunity and a platform to do that.