Kent recorded a 74% rise in NatWest T20 Blast attendances as county cricket recorded the biggest crowds since the England and Wales Cricket Board was established in 1997.

Strong ticket sales across the three formats were underpinned by Kent’s loyal membership base of more than 5,000.

The 2015 summer was a landmark year for the county with more than 10,000 spectators returning to the refurbished County Ground, Beckenham for six days of cricket in May and June.

Two highlights were the Australian Tour match in late June which attracted more than 15,000 visitors over the four days, while almost 14,000 attended an extended Canterbury Week in August which culminated in the Women's Ashes Test match.

Kent Spitfires played in front of sell-out crowds in the NatWest T20 Blast totalling 35,000.

Chief executive Jamie Clifford said: “We’re delighted to see the national appeal of county cricket growing. This is mirrored in Kent with our ticket sales and membership numbers also growing year-on-year.

“All three formats have a distinct audience and NatWest T20 Blast on Friday nights in particular has become a fixture and the attendances prove it. 2015 was particularly encouraging as we used three different venues in the competition."

Nationwide, more than 1.5 million people attended LV= County Championship, Royal London One-Day Cup and NatWest T20 Blast matches combined and all three competitions recorded increased total attendances year-on-year.

At least 513,000 people watched LV= County Championship matches in 2015 – up from 495,000 in 2014.

Limited overs cricket saw more than 200,000 people attend the 72 Royal London One-Day Cup matches this year – an increase of around 500 per match on last year with average NatWest T20 Blast attendances rising by 800.