LANCASHIRE have launched an ambitious plan to create an Old Trafford academy for the region's best youngsters.

If the England and Wales Cricket Board give their approval, it will be up and running in September 2002.

Lancashire's cricket manager Mike Watkinson said: "This is one of the building blocks in our plans for the club.

"The academy would cater for the most talented young cricketers between the ages 13 to 19, hopefully the Lancashire stars of the future."

There are half a dozen academies in existence already under phase one of an ECB strategy. Lancashire are bidding to be included in phase two, hoping initially for a licence for four years to base the academy in their indoor centre with a grant of £50,000 a year.

Watkinson, who has a three-year contract, added: "There is a lot of young talent in this region and this development will enable us to bring in the very best so that they can work with top coaches and get a real feel of what is needed at the professional level.

"One of the crucial aspects of an academy is that it is a total package aimed at realising the potential of each young player. It's not just a question of throwing a ball at them or telling them to keep their elbow up.

"Other things, such as their lifestyle and progress at school, are considered, and we will have close contact with parents, teachers and all the other coaches they work with."