Prop-star Tom Curwen wants to play his part in keeping Workington Town on the map – after he signed a new deal this week.

Curwen, a former Seaton amateur, put pen to paper on a two-year contract as Town continue their bid to keep the best and brightest Cumbrian talent at Derwent Park.

As he comes to the end of his first season as a professional, Curwen admits he has learned a lot from his fellow players.

"It has been a lot harder than I thought it was going to be but I have learned so much from the lads all around me," said Curwen.

"I knew a lot of them before I came down and they have really brought me on.

"I think my defence has improved a lot and my talking in defence. That was the big thing for me."

And he added that playing for his hometown club was an added incentive to stay.

"I have watched Town for a long time as I had friends who played there," said Curwen.

"I have always wanted to play for them and now I have got my chance and I just want to keep improving."

The 28-year-old admitted the step up in pace from amateur to League One was the biggest transition he had to overcome.

He added: "The friendlies weren't too bad but the first competitive game against Newcastle was a shock to the system.

"It was just the sheer speed of the game, it was a massive jump up from what I was used to."

Town chairman Garry Mounsey praised Curwen's attitude in his first year at Derwent Park and said he was delighted to extend his stay with the club.

"Tom has made the transition from the community game with Seaton and had an excellent first season as a semi-professional," said Mounsey.

"He is continually improving and is a key part of our plans over the coming seasons. He is fit, strong and runs great lines.

"He’s happy enough to do big minutes in a game and, with some of the injuries we’ve had this season, he’s had to get through some hard work on the pitch.

"We’re delighted that he’s committed for another two seasons and we look forward to seeing him in action again in 2018."