MICHAEL HUNT has spoken of his delight at being called up into the full Lancashire side for the match against Northumberland on Saturday.

And the 23-year-old, who has put off turning professional for at least the summer in a bid to become one of the country's top amateurs, has now set his sights on a place in the England team.

Hunt and Rossendale's Ashley Siddle received notification of their call-ups to the Lancashire side last week.

Both players have previously played for ELGA and Lancashire B.

"It is one step forward," said Hunt, who is the Burnley club champion and last year's Harold Ryden winner.

"I have been playing for ELGA for three years and in doing that I forfeited an important club competition.

"Then I played for Lancashire B and now I have a full call-up which is one below getting one of the England squads and that is one of my aims for this season."

Hunt played four Lancashire B matches against Fylde, South Lancs, Cumbria B and Cheshire, winning three and halving one of his singles matches.

Against Cheshire B at Didsbury he won his foursomes match one up and then went on to come back from being three holes down on the eighth to win four and three.

"I am sure these performances helped me get picked for Lancashire. I am delighted."

And it has vindicated his decision to put off turning pro, which he had considered doing after a good amateur season last year, during which he got his handicap down to plus two.

"I spoke to Nick Dougherty's dad and he said it is better to make a name for yourself as an amateur before you turn professional because there are so many players turning pro. That is what I intend to do."