LANCASHIRE and England seam bowler Peter Martin on Thursday announced his retirement from the first-class game due to a persistent knee injury which kept him out of the majority of last season.

Martin, aged 35, said: "I have battled all last season with the knee and feel now that due to this and following medical opinion, the time is right to bring my career to a close.

"I'm immensely proud of my achievements such as they are and thank the club for their support in realising my ambitions over the last 18 years."

Martin made his first-class debut in 1989 and received his county cap in 1994. He has taken 606 first-class wickets at an average of 27.51 with best figures of 8-32.

In addition, he played in eight Tests with best bowling figures of 4-60 and 20 One Day Internationals with best figures of 4-44.

Cricket manager Mike Watkinson said: "Peter has had a great career and been an important member of the Club's successes over the years. I also feel he was unlucky to have not played more Internationals than he did."

Chairman Jack Simmons added: "Peter has been a tremendous role model for our emerging bowlers and will be a tough act to follow. We wish him well for his future."