Wicketkeeper batsman Sam Billings took the Player of the Year award at Kent’s end of season awards night on Saturday.

The 23 year old has had a breakthrough season after being preferred with the gloves ahead of the outgoing Geraint Jones and was honoured at the ceremony at Canterbury after picking up the most votes.

Billings has been especially prolific in One Day cricket, making a name for himself on the county circuit and with it has earned a call up to the England Performance Programme  that will go to Sri Lanka in November.

“It’s a huge honour to be voted player of the year by Kent members and supporters.”said Billings after picking up the award.

“To play for my home club is a massive buzz and I feel we have made a step forward this season and there’s more to come.”

“We’ve got to build on our performances this year and be more consistent. There’s a lot of talent in the dressing room.”

“To be named in the England Performance Programme has topped off the year nicely.”

Earlier in the evening, all-rounder Darren Stevens took the Fitzgerald Jewellers One Day Player of the Year, with Mitchell Claydon scooping both the Bowler of the Year and the Player’s Player of the Year honour.

After a difficult start to the season, vice-captain came good with some important runs towards the end of the summer and for that reason he claimed the Batsman of the Year award.

In an historic first, the club’s Women cricketers were also honoured for a great season having won the County Championship with captain Charlotte Edwards taking both the Batswoman of the Year and the Player of the Year awards after some incredible performances.

Edwards picked up the Canterbury Christ Church University Women’s Player of the Year trophy after scoring 642 runs at an average of 71.33 and leading the side.

Edwards, 34, who has scored more than 4,000 runs for Kent, said: “It’s an honour to lead such a great group of players and thanks to all supporters for their votes.”

“I’d like to thank Canterbury Christ Church University for their support of the Women’s Team and hope we can progress the game in Kent in the years ahead.”

Lydia Greenway took the Fielder of the Year, whilst Erin Bermingham was to claim the Bowler of the Year award.

Kent Cricket CEO Jamie Clifford said: “I am delighted that we have been able to recognise the efforts of our teams together.”

“The women have had an outstanding season culminating in winning the Royal London One-Day county championship and the men’s team reached the semi-final of the Royal London One Day Cup.”

“Most encouraging has been the emergence and development, in both teams, of home-grown younger talent. As always we are indebted to Shepherd Neame and Canterbury Christ Church University for their tremendous support of the Club.”

“We were delighted that Spitfire sponsored these awards. Kent Cricket and the Spitfire brand go hand in hand.”

To end the evening, Ashes winner Geraint Jones was honoured for an incredible career that has seen him spend the past fifteen seasons with Kent.