GARETH Cross will be free to seek further opportunities after Lancashire County Cricket Club decided not to extend his current contract.

The Bury-born wicketkeeper made his debut for the Club in 2005 having progressed through the youth ranks and became a first team regular after taking over from Luke Sutton.

He has been an integral part of the squad over the last few years and been involved in helping the team to win the County Championship in 2011 and get to the T20 Finals Day in the same year.

LCCC Cricket Director Mike Watkinson said: “Gareth has been a valuable and passionate member of our squad over the last eight years and played a key role in the title-winning team of 2011. “The club felt the time was right for him to look elsewhere to progress his career and we wish him well.”