Kent academy student Daniel Bell-Drummond has signed a new three-year professional contract with the club.

The 17-year-old batsman is already an England under-19 international and said he was happy and shocked by the contract.

"I’m grateful to the club for backing me and offering this long-term contact," he said. "I enjoyed a good 2010 and hope that I will continue to develop as I move forward.

"I would like to thank the club’s academy director, Phil Relf, and my coach at Millfield School, Mark Davis, for the help and encouragement that they have given me.”

Kent team director Paul Farbrace added he was delighted Bell-Drummond had committed his future to the club.

"He is, without doubt, one of the most talented young players in the country," said Farbrace.

"He is yet another great example and role model for young cricketers across the county. We have all been excited by his potential for many years, and he really is a product of the Kent youth development system."

Bell-Drummond was a member of the double winning under-17 side in 2009 and the ECB cup winning under-17s in 2010.