Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens has signed a new contract with the club.

The fans’ favourite will be back for a 13th season in 2017 after being awarded a benefit year in 2016.

He pledged his future to Kent after a strong end to the season with centuries against Gloucestershire and Essex as he passed 500 appearances for the club in all formats.

Chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: “Darren has given so much to Kent Cricket that all along we have wanted him to remain with us and are delighted that he has made that decision.

“I’m sure all Kent Cricket supporters will greet the news with delight, help him round off his Benefit Year in style and look forward to his contribution to further develop what has been achieved to date.”

For details of the remaining events in Darren Stevens’ benefit year including golf days at Faversham and Westerham and a lunch in London, visit www.stevobenefit2016.co.uk

Darren Stevens Kent career to date in numbers

·        Bowling: 578 wickets at an average of 27.8 (100 bowled, caught 359, lbw 106, stumped 13) – best figures of 7-21 v Surrey at Canterbury 2011

·        Batting: 18,372 runs at an average of 36.38 – 93 fifties, 35 centuries – top score of 208 v Glamorgan at Canterbury 2005

·        Fielding: He has taken 231 catches