Sean Dickson has pledged his future to Kent by signing a long-term contract extension with the club.

The 24-year-old batsman achieved his career best score this season – 207 not out in the Specsavers County Championship win at Derbyshire – and averages 49.75 this season in red-ball cricket.

The right-hander earned his first professional contract after impressing in the 2nd XI last summer with a string of superb performances.

Dickson said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Kent so far and I had no hesitation in extending my contract here.

“The club gave me a great opportunity and I’d like to think there’s more to come from me.

“There’s a good bunch of guys in the dressing room and I’m confident we can win trophies together.”

Academy graduate Zak Crawley, 18, has also earned a contract extension.

The 6’5” right-hander scored a fine unbeaten century for the 2nd XI against Hampshire and another for his club Sevenoaks Vine this summer, during which he left school with three A grades in his A-Levels.

Head coach Jimmy Adams said: “Sean has settled into the squad nicely and if he continues to progress, I am sure it won’t be long before he becomes an established player for Kent.

“He is a quality player and I have no doubt he has a bright future at Kent.”

He added: “Zak is an exciting young talent developed in our age-group and Academy programmes and we hope he will be one to watch in the coming years.”

Meanwhile Kent cricketers past and present will be playing for a good cause in a charity match on September 10 at Eltham College.

Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and the Ben Daniels Memorial Fund (BDMF) will benefit from a family fun day, match and post-match gala dinner.

Calum Haggett and Ivan Thomas - who have both previously been affected by sudden heart conditions - are involved.

In 2010 Haggett was identified with a potentially fatal heart condition during a routine screening but was successfully treated.

However two years later one of Thomas’ teammates at university, Tom Hardman, died in his sleep from an undiagnosed heart condition aged just 21.

The Kent duo were approached by Paul Daniels, who lost his son Ben, an Old Elthamians CC player, to an undiagnosed heart condition aged 15 in 2011.

The teams will feature former Kent and England batsman and CRY Patron Rob Key and fellow former Kent captain James Tredwell.

Kent and England opener Tammy Beaumont and former England fast bowler Simon Jones will also take part.