CHRIS DENT and Jack Taylor are the latest talented youngsters to pledge their long-term futures to Gloucestershire.

Both had one year remaining on their deals, but Thornbury product Dent, 20, has signed a two-year extension, while off-spinner Taylor, who celebrated his 20th birthday last week, has agreed a one-year extension.

They follow the young quartet of Ian Saxelby, David Payne, Ian Cockbain and Liam Norwell, who have also signed new contracts with the county in the past week.

Gloucestershire skipper Alex Gidman, said: "It's great that another two players have bought into what we are trying to achieve at the club.

"I felt that over the final third of last season Chris Dent really matured into a first class cricketer. It can take time, but he was starting to look a genuine class act.

"Jack Taylor would be the first to admit that he has work to do on his game. But he also has the potential to be a top player and is the sort of feisty character you want in a dressing room."

Dent graduated from the academy and played every County Championship game during his debut season in 2010. He scored 649 first class runs at an average of 34.15 last season, hitting his maiden century against Surrey at the Cheltenham Festival.

All-rounder Taylor showed his promise in a memorable T20 debut against Somerset earlier this year when he took 4-16 and then hit 38 to lead Gloucestershire to victory. He took eight wickets overall at an average of 14.75 in that competition last season, and seven wickets at 21.57 in the CB40.

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson said: "We are delighted that two more members of the promising young squad we are developing have agreed to have their contracts extended.

"Chris Dent scored his maiden first class century during the summer and, despite spending some time out with an injured hand, again demonstrated that he can become a real force for us.

"Jack Taylor showed glimpses of his potential when given first team opportunities and is another player we have very high hopes of."