Blockbusting prop forward Tom Curwen has pledged to help Workington Town earn promotion next season - after signing a new deal.

The former Seaton packman has put pen to paper on an extension to his existing deal to keep him at Derwent Park to the end of the 2020 season.

And he says he is looking forward to hitting the ground running next season, after returning from injury this term.

"I came into last season part way through with disrupted preparation due to my shoulder operation," said Curwen.

"So I’m really looking forward to getting a full pre-season in so I can start strongly in 2019.

"To play for my home town was always an ambition and I’ve learned a lot over the last couple of seasons from some experienced professionals.

"My own experience has grown particularly this season playing against teams like York and Bradford.

"The club is going for promotion again in 2019 and I want to be a part of that."

Curwen says a strong team spirit was key for Town this season and is another reason he has pledged to stay.

He added: "I’ve really enjoyed playing for Town this year.

"Although we just missed out on promotion I think the team has had a great season.

"I’ve enjoyed my rugby with a great bunch of lads and we’ve had a great time on and off the pitch."

Town v's director of rugby, Les Ashe, is delighted that Curwen has decided to extend his stay at Derwent Park.

He said: "After starting part way through the season, Tom has been a consistent performer, aggressive in attack and defence.

"He has been a great success since joining Town from his community club at Seaton.

"To secure a fantastic local player is great news and with a full pre-season behind him, we know he will be as eager to start next season as well as he finished this one."

Workington Town's season came to an end on Sunday when they just lost out on promotion in a winner takes all clash against Swinton Lions.

Town fought valiantly but injuries and players on holiday meant they travelled with a depleted squad and that took its toll in the end.

Coach Leon Pryce paid tribute to an heroic effort from his patched up Workington Town side, after the game.

"I'm not disappointed, it's just a shame that we didn't have a full team but we can't complain too much," said Pryce.

"I thought all the boys were unbelievable. Ollie Wilkes had pulled his calf and didn't last two minutes but we had put Penky and Ollie on just to give it a go and see if they had anything but they had nothing.

"It was just an heroic effort from an unbelievable set of lads."