ENGLAND batsman Ed Smith picked up three awards at Kent’s end of season dinner in Canterbury last night.

The former Cambridge University Blue was first up to the podium at the dinner held at the St Lawrence ground to receive the Kent Messenger Group Readers’ Player of the Year award.

Having scored over 1,500 first class runs at a 60-plus average, Smith then picked up the Denness Award for leading run scorer and the Cowdrey Award for Kent’s player of the season.

Ashford-born spinner James Tredwell, who has been selected among the 14 top young cricketers attending the ECB’s National Academy this winter, picked up the most improved player award and Matt Walker was the inaugural winner of the Ealham award for fielding excellence.

With another 58 wickets to his tally, Martin Saggers was the run-away winner of the Underwood Award for best bowler.

The evening ended with a lifetime achievement award to former Kent and England batsman Brian Luckhurst who is retiring after serving the county for 50 years.

A player from 1958 to 1985, Luckhurst went on to manage and coach the side before running the Ames Levett Sports Centre and the hugely popular Lucky’s Bar. In the last three seasons he was worked with the county’s marketing department.

After receiving an engraved glass bowl and the keys to his sponsored car, Luckhurst said: "There’s nothing to compare with playing the game, but when I look back at the six or seven roles I have had here at Kent, I can honestly say I have enjoyed every one of them."