MIKE Watkinson has resigned as Lancashire’s cricket director with immediate effect.

The former England and Red Rose all-rounder from Bolton, a one-day trophy-winning captain of the county, has left Emirates Old Trafford to seek a “fresh challenge in his career”, according to a club statement.

In his 32 years with the club, Westhoughton-born Watkinson has also coached the second and first teams as well as winning the County Championship title in 2011 in his role as cricket director.

Watkinson, who still plays local league cricket for Edgworth in the Bolton Association and played for Westhoughton before embarking on his professional career, said: ”After enjoying a long and successful career at Lancashire, I am now looking forward to a new challenge and would like to wish all the players and staff at the club all the best for the future.”

Lancashire chairman Michael Cairns added: "I would like to place on record our sincere gratitude to Mike Watkinson for his long-term service of Lancashire CCC as player, captain, cricket manager and cricket director.”