BURY-born cricketer John Simpson has been rewarded for a fine summer with a Scholarship at Lancashire County Cricket Club.

The 17-year-old wicket-keeper, who went to St. Gabriel's RC High School, is one of just three young talents on the Old Trafford scheme.

John, who plays at Haslingden CC in the Lancashire League, is going on tour to India this winter with the England U19 squad. He holds the record for the youngest ever player to play first-team cricket - at the age of ten.