YORKSHIRE captain Andrew Gale has been awarded a benefit by the county in 2016.

The 31-year-old batsman has represented the White Rose club since the age of ten, as well as playing for England at under-15s, 17s and 19s level. He also captained their Lions team on ten occasions at home and abroad in 2010.

He lifted Yorkshire's second successive LV= County Championship title at Lord's last month, following that by passing 1,000 competition runs in the season for only the second time in his career.

Gale follows close friend and retiring all-rounder Rich Pyrah, who is coming to the end of his year as the county's beneficiary.

"I am immensely proud to be awarded a benefit year and I would like to thank the club for the opportunity," said Gale, who also regards Bradford League side Cleckheaton as his home club.

"I have represented Yorkshire since I was ten years old and loved every minute of pulling on the White Rose shirt.

"I have had some great times at the club – particularly the last few years where we have enjoyed some success.

"Although I am probably nearer the back of my career than the start, I still have a burning desire to continue to drive the club to more success."

Gale has scored 20 centuries in 140 first-class matches since debuting for Yorkshire in 2004, with his overall record standing at 7,646 runs at an average of 38.03.

He became Yorkshire's youngest professional captain ahead of the 2010 season, when he replaced Anthony McGrath, and is now their second most successful post-war leader behind the late Brian Close.

Gale led Yorkshire to the final of the T20 domestic competition in 2012 and then the group stages of the Champions League event in South Africa. In the same season, Championship promotion was also achieved.

Yet it has not been all plain sailing for the popular Headingley skipper.

Yorkshire were relegated in the Championship in 2011 and their T20 success the following year has not been built upon, forcing the left-hander to stand down from the limited-overs leadership role earlier this summer.

In 2014, a poor run of form forced Gale to drop himself from a Championship match at Lord's when Joe Root was made available by England.

Later in the summer, he was embroiled in controversy following an on-field spat with Lancashire opponent Ashwell Prince, meaning a ban of four first-class matches.

"It is going to be a busy year for me, both on and off the field," said Gale.

"I have a fantastic committee working with me and we hope to confirm a list of events, including a website and logo, in the next couple of months."