Sutcliffe scored more than 12,500 runs during his playing career

Former Lancashire and Leicestershire cricketer Iain Sutcliffe has revealed he has been working voluntarily for a charity since quitting the game.

The 34-year-old, who retired from first-class cricket in 2008 because of injury, admitted it had been an eye-opening experience.

"I've certainly been clocking up a few air miles recently," Sutcliffe told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I've mainly been based in Ghana supervising the building of a school."

He added: "A lot of kids out there don't go to school because they can't afford to pay for the books or uniforms. So this project is all about building somewhere that will be completely free and sustainable.

"I have always been interested in charity work, but now I've got quite a bit of spare time I felt I just wanted to go and make a difference.

I'm looking forward to a new challenge and I felt at 34 it was the route I wanted to go down Ian Sutcliffe

"Working out there was a fantastic experience and I learnt a lot and it puts your own life into perspective."

Sutcliffe also revealed he is actively looking to increase his involvement in charity work.

"I'm going to Geneva to pursue an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) and that's linked to the charity organisation, so I'll see where that takes me.

"I've always wanted to be involved with the United Nations, so I'm hoping being based in Geneva, where the majority of UN agencies are located, an opportunity will present itself."

He admitted he found it difficult at first to adjust to life after retiring from the game.

"It's always difficult when you've always wanted to play professional sport," said the Leeds-born former batsman.

"You do miss parts of the game, especially the dressing room banter, so it's definitely strange when you finish.

"But at the same time I'm looking forward to a new challenge and I felt at 34 it was the route I wanted to go down."

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