Golfing cricket fans from across the globe are expected to come together in Portugal to celebrate the career of Ashes-winning wicketkeeper Geraint Jones.

The Kent and England star celebrates his benefit year in 2012 and its culmination will be the Geraint Jones Golf Classic at the five-star Pestana Vila Sol resort from January 31-February 3, 2013.

On Thursday, Geraint kicked off his Benefit Year with the launch lunch held at the Mecure Hotel near Maidstone with over 320 guests paying tribute to the keeper who has served the county so well for the past ten years.

Next year, Europe’s largest golf travel company has put together packages for the 54-hole contest offering three night’s bed-and-breakfast accommodation; three competitive rounds of golf; a cocktail reception on arrival; and barbecue gala dinner and prizegiving on the final evening for just £399 per person.

Competitors will be alongside Jones and a selection of famous friends and team-mates for what organisers believe will be a fitting end to his benefit year.

Jones said: “Although it’s just over a year away, I’m already looking forward to hosting my own golf classic. Pestana Vila Sol is a fantastic venue and I’m looking forward to getting a good crowd out there enjoying some fun competitive golf and having a few laughs.

“Your Golf Travel.com are experts in this field and have put some great packages together. I can’t wait to get out to Portugal.”

Andrew Harding, managing director of Your Golf Travel.com, said: “Having spent many years watching Geraint play at both county and international level it is an honour to be involved in this event.

“The next year is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of an impressive cricketing career and we’re determined to finish it in style with a golf trip to the Algarve which will be five-star in every way possible.”

You can see all the other events Geraint has got planned for the next year at his Benefit website – www.geraintjonesbenefit2012.co.uk

Picture supplied by Sarah Ansell. To see more of Sarah’s pictures visit www.sarahcanterbury.co.uk