VETERAN batsman Mal Loye has quit Lancashire to re-join former club Northamptonshire.

Since arriving at Old Trafford in 2003, 37-year-old Loye scored 10,603 runs in all competitions.

“It became apparent that irrespective of the terms or length of our contract offer to Mal his decision to move on had been made,” said cricket director Mike Watkinson. “Mal has made great contributions for Lancashire both on and off the field and I wish him well for the years ahead.”

Loye made an immediate impact with consecutive centuries in his first two innings for the Red Rose county and was awarded a benefit season in 2008.

He won an England call-up for the triangular one-day series against Australia and New Zealand in January 2006, making seven appearances and averaging 20.28 runs.

Meanwhile, Mark Chilton has been named as Lancashire’s player of the season.

During the 2009 domestic campaign, Chilton played in all but one match for Lancashire and captained the one-day side when Glen Chapple was missing through injury.

He scored a total of 1306 runs in all competitions, finishing with a first-class average of 48.56 and took 22 catches.

“Mark thoroughly deserves this accolade,” said head coach Peter Moores.

Chorley-born all-rounder Tom Smith landed the Hill Dickinson one-day player of the year award.

Across all three limited over competitions, opener Smith, 23, scored 532 runs, took 17 wickets and was named man of the match on three occasions.