THREE talented cricketers have been picked for Lancashire Under 19s' first ever tour to South Africa - and two of them are just 14-years-old!

Emily Denton, who plays for Feniscowles, and Read's Alex Hartley have been selected alongside 17-year-old Rachel Dakin who also plays for Read.

The trio will be in the county squad who will play in a tournament against teams from England, Australia, Hong Kong and the host nation.

And 19-year-old Jennifer Laycock will also tour with the party as assistant coach with a view to climbing up the coaching ladder.

Paul Brayson, Lancashire's cricket development manager, has no qualms about taking two players so young and believes all four have big futures in the county set-up.

He said: "Emily and Alex are both young but we see them as future Lancashire first team players.

"As long as we look after them properly on the tour and make sure they play in the right games then we feel they can play an important role. The winter programme will be crucial to make sure they are fit and ready to go."

"Rachel is a little older but is also a good player. It is important that she stays in the county system and plays as many games as possible."

The tour party will be made up of 16 players, four coaches and family members.

One of those coaches is Jennifer, who already plays for Lancashire First XI, and has just taken part in the Super Fours competition for the North of England side.

"Jennifer will be just too old to play so that is why she is going as a coach. The tour is a part of her development as a coach and we see it as an ideal way to prepare for gaining her Level Three coaching badge some time next year."

Paul said the tour marks a milestone for the county as it is the first junior squad to go abroad.

He said: "This is a massive tour for us. It is the first time a junior county, either boys or girls, have toured abroad. We are preparing early and that includes raising funds for the trip."

The tour party received a welcome boost when it received funding from the Lancashire County Cricket Trust.

The team will be hoping to raise further funds in a players versus parents Twenty20 match at Read Cricket Club on Friday which starts at 5.30pm.

Julia Hartley, Alex's mum, said her daughter's inclusion, along with the other local girls, is a good thing for East Lancashire.

She said: "It's great to see all three players in the squad and Jennifer going as a coach. It is good to see girls involved in sport and good news for East Lancashire cricket."