Kent County Cricket Club have revealed that their home ground will be known as The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence for the next 10 years.

The deal is said to be for a significant seven-figure sum which will be spread over the length of the agreement.

"I cannot think of a better partner or one with a stronger Kent connection"

It includes shirt sponsorship for the Friends Life t20 and the selling of beer, wines and spirits at the ground, in addition to the naming rights.

Kent chief executive Jamie Clifford described the deal as a tremendous boost for the club and an endorsement of all they were trying to achieve.

“I am delighted that we will be working with Shepherd Neame for at least the next 10 years, I cannot think of a better partner or one with a stronger Kent connection,” he said.

Kent will play an annual Battle of Britain memorial match to commemorate the bravery of The Few as part of the deal. The first one will be on Monday August 26 and celebrate everything the Spitfire means to the county.

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, said their relationship with the club was already strong and deal allowed them to build on that commitment.

"We have witnessed the transformation of the ground in recent years and I am delighted to back the club in their pursuit of further success both on and off the field," he said.

Kent's deal with Shepherd Neame was due to end this year and the idea of the naming rights was first discussed 18 months ago.

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