The 21-year-old seamer made his debut for the Second XI in 2001 at the age of 17 but has not been able to force his way into Mick Newell?s plans, making just one appearance for the Outlaws against Worcestershire this summer.

Second XI coach Wayne Noon said: ?With the senior bowlers we have here and Charlie Shreck and Paul Franks looking to return to contention, Richard would have been a fair way down the pecking order and wanted to try his luck elsewhere.

?It?s a shame but he goes with our best wishes and I hope he will come back to play against us in the future.?

Hodgkinson said: ?I would like to be playing first team cricket at this stage of my career and although it was a tough decision to leave Trent Bridge, hopefully it will turn out to be the right one.

?I?ve made lots of friends during my time here and enjoyed playing for Notts. I?m sure I?ll come back to visit.?