Charlotte Edwards CBE is to leave Kent after sixteen seasons at the club.

The former England captain, who turns 37 later this month, lifted the domestic double with Kent in 2016 to bring her tally of trophies to ten with the county.

She has influenced and nurtured a new generation of Kent cricketers with the likes of Megan Belt, Tammy Beaumont, Alice Davidson-Richards, Tash Farrant, Lydia Greenway, Grace Gibbs and Laura Marsh earning England honours during her spell at the club.

The former captain said: “I would like to thank everyone at Kent County Cricket Club for all their support over the past 18 years. I’m immensely proud to have played for the county and what the team has achieved within that time.

“Kent is very much seen as one of the leading counties within the women’s game due to it consistently producing players to the England Pathway.

“It’s been a really tough decision to leave Kent but ultimately I feel it’s the right decision for me and more importantly the current team. Having won the double in 2016 I feel this is a fitting end to my time as a Kent cricketer.

“I have many memories and highlights from my Kent career, winning our first County Championship in 2006 at uppingham school and the recent 2016 Double are obvious highlights.

“Finally I’d like to thank all coaches, mangers and players I have played with throughout the years. Kent will always have a special in my heart and I wish the team all the very best for the future.”

Charlotte joined Kent in 2000 after six seasons playing for East Anglia Women in the Women’s Area and County Championships.

Edwards was the top run-scorer in her debut season and repeated the feat a further five occasions during her Kent career and was also top wicket-taker in 2006.

As well as winning a record seven County Championships, Kent Women finished runner-up five times, meaning that the side has only finished outside the top two on one occasion since 2004.

Kent Cricket CEO Jamie Clifford said: “It is a very sad day to see one of the stars of Kent cricket move on.

“Charlotte has, through huge amounts of selfless commitment to the Club, become the cornerstone of the game for women and girls in the county.

“Her playing record is of course extraordinary, but it will be her captaincy – leading Kent to so much success – that will never be forgotten.

“In addition, and perhaps even more significantly she is an champion for not just women’s cricket in this country, but women’s sport in general.

“She has done much for the profile and development of the game and her involvement has changed the direction of women’s cricket positively for evermore.  Lottie will remain an icon of Kent Cricket and will always be welcomed by all who love cricket in the county.”

In 136 matches for Kent, Charlotte Edwards scored 6,164 runs at an average of 61.64 (100 completed innings, 29 not out) and scored 40 half-centuries and 14 centuries.

Her top score was 151 not out against Middlesex in 2002.With the ball, she took 124 wickets at an average of 17.51 and claimed 81 catches in the field.