WARREN Hegg today thanked Lancashire cricket followers for granting him a bumper £178,000 benefit.

"I'm absolutely over the moon, and I'd like to thank everybody who has helped me," said the popular 32-year-old wicket keeper. "I really enjoyed last year, both from the cricket side and also on the benefit.

"So many people helped me and gave generously, but I must make special mention of David Wicks, my chairman, and Brian Howarth, my vice chairman. They both gave up so much time and effort.

"There was the added bonus for me of being vice captain to John Crawley, and having an input into the side."

To Hegg's credit, he managed to maintain his form despite the distractions of his benefit and his baby daughter, Chloe. His 670 runs included some priceless contributions to Lancashire wins, and he came within a single dismissal of a half century with 45 catches and four stumpings.

The only disappointment for Hegg came as he lost the England place which he had earned the previous winter in Australia, for no apparent reason. "That was a bitter pill for me to swallow because I thought I had done reasonably well in the last two Tests, including the one we won in Melbourne," Chuckie reflected.

"I just wasn't given a chance last year, but there's nothing you can do about it. You've just got to get on with it and you never know, my time might come again."

For the moment Hegg is concentrating on preparing for next season, and he is looking forward to linking up with new Lancashire coach Bobby Simpson. And Lancashire fans will have the chance to salute another local hero this summer, with Hegg's old pal Ian Austin enjoying a well earned benefit year.

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