KENT'S picturesque St Lawrence cricket ground has won its third 'top ground' award in as many seasons (Mark Pennell writes).

Though silverware in the Canterbury cabinet remains a rarity, the club can justifiably feel proud of their historic venue after being voted best championship ground by The Cricketer International Magazine.

In reviewing Kent's headquarters during the county's Canterbury Week fixture with Somerset, Anthony Meredith said: "It has everything. For those not living locally, it can be a long, long motorway haul, but the welcome is every bit worth the effort.

"You discover lots of good ideas promoting the home team and making the cricket accessible. Two fine shops. Good food, cheerful company and a whole host of very different viewing areas. But, above all, there is the very special St Lawrence atmosphere, a distillation of the best of ancient and modern."

In previous seasons St Lawrence has been named top ground by former cricket correspondent for The Times, Alan Lee, and also topped The Cricketer poll in 2001.

Kent's head groundsman Mike Grantham is also among the honours, being named joint county groundsman of the year. The award, based on pitch markings supplied by the first-class umpires' panel and the pitches advisory group, is shared with Surrey groundsman Paul Brind.