Lowerhouse wicket keeper Jack McGregor will leave for South Africa at the end of the month to join up with England.

McGregor will team up with the England under 16 squad at Loughborough for a training camp before flying to Cape Town, where the squad will be based for their South African tour.

The tour will involve nine games in 16 days and McGregor is the squad's first choice wicketkeeper.

Lowerhouse snapped up McGregor before the start of last season from Bacup, where he was second team wicket keeper.

Despite being only 14 years old at the start of the season he was put straight into the first 11 and won rave reviews.

Cricket manager Stan Heaton said: "Jack was at a crucial period in his career and needed the challenge that first team cricket could provide.

"Not only did he pick up a championship medal he has advanced from the county team to the England team. We hope that we have helped him and we are very proud of him."