LANCASHIRE CC have signed Mal Loye to boost their batting line-up for next season.

The 30-year-old right-hander follows the trail blazed by Alec Swann, who had such a successful debut season after moving from Northamptonshire last winter.

And Loye arrives with an impressive pedigree. He has been selected for two England A tours and scored more than 1,000 runs in a season three times - including 1998, when he hit his career best 322 not out against Glamorgan, which was a new county record.

Loye's arrival gave team manager Mike Watkinson three reasons to celebrate, after his contract as cricket manager was extended until 2005, and Warren Hegg was appointed as captain for another year.

"Mal has always been a good performer for Northants and we see him as a valuable addition to our squad," said Watkinson.

"He's been one of those players who have been around the England A team without having an opportunity in Test cricket. He probably still has ambitions to continue to improve, and he's got a good record of getting runs."