LANCASHIRE have moved to fill the void behind the stumps left by Warren Hegg with the signing of Derbyshire gloveman Luke Sutton.

The 29-year-old, who was Derbyshire captain for the last two seasons, had reached the end of his contract and had attracted the interest of several counties after announcing his intention to leave the club.

Sutton has 181 first-class catches to his name and as a middle-order batsman averages 30.58 with a highest score of 140 not out .

Lancashire view him as the ideal replacement for the long-serving Hegg.

Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson said: "We always knew that Warren Hegg would be difficult to replace but we are delighted that Luke has decided to join us.

"He is a high-quality wicketkeeper who is very able with a bat and he will add an extra dimension to our team, being capable of batting in the first six in the batting order.

"I'm sure that he will be a strong and reliable member of our squad."

Sutton was keen to make a fresh start away from Derbyshire after a difficult period off the field and left the county on good terms.

He said: "I was really pleased when I got the call from Mike Watkinson. I'm looking forward to joining up with the squad and becoming part of the team.

"The backroom set-up at Lancashire is very professional and I'm excited to become part of it.

"I want to help the county win more trophies and move forward with a club which is going places."