STUART Lampitt has announced his retirement from county cricket at the end of this season and will take up a full-time post as Cricket Development Officer for the Worcestershire Cricket Board in October.

Lampitt first played for Worcestershire in 1985, gained his County Cap in 1989 and was awarded a benefit in 2000.

Over a long and successful career he has played in 236 first class games scoring 5,649 runs at 23.83 including a century against Middlesex at Lord's in 1994.

The 36-year-old has also taken 601 wickets at an average of 28.65 including a career best 7-45 against Warwickshire at New Road in 2000.

Lampitt was a regular member of the Worcestershire team that won a total of seven trophies during the late 80's and early 90's including the Championship twice in 1988 and 1989, the Refuge Assurance League twice in 1987 and 1988, the B & H Cup in 1991, the Natwest Trophy in 1994 and the Refuge Cup in 1991.

His one-day career has been outstanding and in all he has taken 356 one-day wickets at an average of 24 including 16 wickets this season.

Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, paid tribute to Lampitt. "Stuart will go down as one of the outstanding players in the County's long and distinguished history. He has been the consummate professional -- total commitment to one County, great skill with both bat and ball and a player you want out in the middle with you. The club owes him a great debt and I am delighted he will remain involved with Worcestershire cricket in the years ahead."

Lampitt said: "After discussions with immediate family and coaching staff at Worcestershire I have decided to retire from first-class cricket.

"Worcestershire is currently building for future success and at present is in a period of transition. With this in mind I feel the time will be right for me to retire at the end of what I hope will be a successful season.

"Over the past 17 years I have felt both privileged and honoured to represent my local county and thankfully have been fortunate enough to have had some wonderful success.

"I would like to thank everyone associated with the club for their camaraderie, friendship and loyal support which has undoubtedly helped make my career such an enjoyable one."