Tom Eastman has signed a new contract with Colchester United.

The U's defender has extended his deal for another year, committing himself to the club until 2016.

Eastman, who was due to be out of contract at the end of this season, has established himself as a regular at the Weston Homes Community Stadium since joining Colchester from neighbours Ipswich Town in May, 2011.

The 22-year-old has been a consistent performer at the heart of the U's defence so far this season and scooped the club's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year trophies, last season.

Eastman said: "It's nice to get it out of the way and off my mind and now I can concentrate on my football.

"I'm pleased to sign and it's nice to get secure and have another year playing football.

"I have to keep performing well and hopefully more contracts will follow."

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.