CHORLEY all-rounder Tom Smith and Read seamer Oliver Newby are among 10 young players rewarded with new contracts at Lancashire.

All 10 are products of the Lancashire Development Programme, with seven having come through the club’s academy, which was introduced in 2002.

“We have high hopes for all 10 players, as they will form the backbone of our senior squad in the years ahead,” said Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson.

“Despite four ‘no results’, a number of our younger players have had opportunities in this year’s Pro40 campaign. “It has been very encouraging to see the energy, talent and commitment demonstrated by these players, and it bodes well for the future of Lancashire.”

Bowlers Simon Kerrigan and Stephen Cheetham have both signed two-year deals, their first professional contracts, after impressing with their second-team performances over the past couple of seasons.

Others committing their future to the Red Rose club are Karl Brown, Steven Croft, Gareth Cross, Kyle Hogg, Steven Mullaney and Stephen Parry.