KARL Brown is the latest local cricketer to be called up by Lancashire.

The talented 17-year-old batsman, who has played most of his cricket with Atherton in the Bolton Association has now been offered a professional contract with the county.

Karl is currently touring Bangladesh with the England U19s squad for five warm-up games, followed by a one-day Tri-Series against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The squad will use these games as preparation for the Under-19s World Cup in Sri Lanka in February.

Karl was awarded a scholarship to the Lancashire Academy last year and was the Lancashire young player of the year, while he also changed clubs, moving to Liverpool Competition side Northern CC.

Last season he featured regularly for Lancashire Seconds and already has a century to his name for the Red Rose county. He was also named Liverpools young cricketer of the year, after scoring 809 runs in 19 games.

Meanwhile, Sajid Mahmood, the former Bolton League cricketer with Astley Bridge and Egerton, has been awarded an extension to his contract by Lancashire.

The all-rounder has established himself in the countys first team squad since joining them on a scholarship in 2002.

Sajid was selected for England's A tour to India and Malaysia in 2003-04, despite only having six first-class wickets to his name.

A call-up to the full international squad followed. He was the 18th Lancashire cricketer to play in a one-day international, although his debut against New Zealand proved to be a learning experience, his seven overs costing 56 runs.

Lancashire Cricket Manager Mike Watkinson said: "Saj is an exciting young bowler and we have high hopes for him.

"He is spending the off season with the England academy and has all the credentials to become an outstanding bowler for both Lancashire and England."