KENT cricketers, past and present, helped Matthew Walker launch his 2008 benefit year with a sell-out lunch at the Ramada Hotel in Hollingbourne near Maidstone on Friday.

The popular 33-year-old left-hander has a busy year ahead of him, and his benefit year is also supporting the children’s charity, Rainbow Trust.

Walker’s next function is a dinner at the Honourable Artillery Club in the City of London on Thursday, February 28, when former England rugby international Martin Bayfield will be the guest speaker. The evening will be hosted by Bob ‘The Cat’ Bevan.

Tickets are available costing £85, and can be obtained via the fund’s website at www.mattwalker2008.com