Long-serving Workington Town half-back Carl Forber is staying put at Derwent Park.

The goalkicking stalwart has just signed a new deal to ensure he will play his part in Workington’s 2019 League One campaign.

And officials at the club are delighted that Forber, currently in the middle of his testimonial year, has agreed to stay.

Workington’s director of rugby Les Ashe praised the 33-year-old points machine who he believes is vital to the team.

“Carl was an ever-present in the team last season so it’s great to get him signed on for next season,” said Ashe.

“He is a prolific points scorer and, as shown last season, when he is given the freedom to be creative with his half partners, he can have a great impact on games.

“His kicking is legendary and very important to the team.”

Ashe also praised Forber’s consistency and his loyalty to the club, which was rewarded with a testimonial.

He added: “He is Town through and through and currently in his testimonial year for services to Workington Town and rugby league in general.

“He is a pleasure to deal with and wants to be part of where we want to take the club in the future.

“We look forward to having Carl, Caroline and his lovely family at the club in 2019.”

This is Forber’s second spell at Workington, after originally joining them back in December 2006.

The former Thatto Heath amateur went back closer to home, when he signed for Blackpool Panthers in the middle of the 2009 season.

But, after their demise, he had short spells with Swinton and Oldham before heading back to Derwent Park in 2012, where he has remained ever since.

Forber has scored more than 1,500 points for Town and celebrated his 250th game for the club during the past season.

And at the club’s end of season presentation night he walked away with two awards, the Golden Boot and the top points scorer of 2018.

Forber is the latest player from last year’s squad to commit to another season under the leadership of coach Leon Pryce.

He follows in the footsteps of Stevie Scholey, Scott Rooke, Tom Curwen, Perry Singleton, Kurt and Gordon Maudling, Karl Olstrom and Andrew Dawson, all members of last season’s successful squad who have re-signed with the club.

And they have recently been joined by talented youngster Tyllar Mellor who impressed after spending part of last season on loan at Derwent Park from Huddersfield as Town look to take another tilt at promotion from League One.