KENT batsman Matthew Walker has spoken of his delight at receiving the 2006 Cowdrey Player-of-the-Year award.

Walker received more than 53 per cent of the votes cast by Kent supporters to pip Martin van Jaarsveld to the honour.

Walker said: "I’m disappointed that we didn’t get any silverware as a team, but it’s a fantastic honour to be recognised by the members.

"It’s the second time in three years so it means a lot to me. I’d like to think it is mainly for what I do on the pitch but also how I conduct myself off it.

"It means more when it comes from members and supporters as they effectively pay your wages."

Walker, who scored 1,910 runs in all competitions, also took the Denness award for leading run scorer.