Alfonso Thomas, the former South Africa quick bowler, has signed a new one-year contract with Somerset for 2009.

Thomas is a Kolpak player and has impressed during this season�..s Twenty20 Cup with 11 wickets.

"I am delighted to announce that Alfonso will be staying with Somerset next season,�.� director of cricket, Brian Rose, told the Somerset website. "He has shown himself to be a class act in Twenty20 cricket, He swings the ball and bowls with a lot of intelligence.

"As well as continuing to be a very good player for us, I expect him to have a very positive influence on our younger bowlers."