LANCASHIRE Thunder have picked out Ulverston teenage cricketer Megan Smith as a star of the future once more.

The Old Trafford club have included Smith as a member of their development centre for the second year in succession.

The 15-year-old Ulverston Victoria High School pupil, who plays her club cricket for Lindal A in the North Lancs and Cumbria League, as well as turning out for the South Lakes Maidens side and Ulverston juniors, is one of 13 girls aged between 14 and 19 in the development centre.

A Lancashire Thunder statement on the development squad said: “The girls will have strength and conditioning support, a physio on hand for injuries and education for prevention of injuries, specialist coaching sessions with a variety of coaches including those who have worked with the Lancashire Thunder team.

“This is the second winter of additional support offered to a select group of players. It will provide a vital support system for players to challenge themselves at the next level, perform under pressure and experience a performance environment.”

Smith is one of two Cumbrians in the development squad, along with Carlisle's Alice Heaton.

Jen Barden, the head coach of the Lancashire Thunder development centre, who had run coaching workshops at Lindal Moor CC in the past, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to all the girls who have been selected, some for the first time and others for a second year.

“It is a great opportunity for the players and I would encourage them to embrace the challenge and take advantage of the extra support to look to enhance their game.

“Women’s cricket has gone from strength to strength over the past few years and we look forward to seeing how these girls develop over the winter and into the season.”