Sam Billings and Charlotte Edwards named Player of the Year 2014

Sam Billings and Charlotte Edwards were named men's and women's players of the year at the Spitfire Kent Cricket Awards last night.

The pair picked up the top honours after a public poll as Kent Cricket's men and women celebrated in an historic joint end of season awards.

Billings, who has extended his Kent contract, said: “It’s a huge honour to be voted player of the year by Kent Members and Supporters.

“To play for my home club is a massive buzz and I feel we have made a step forward this season and there’s more to come.

“We’ve got to build on our performances this year and be more consistent. There’s a lot of talent in the dressing room.

“To be named in the England Performance Programme has topped off the year nicely.”

Sam Northeast won Batsman of the Year, Bowler of the Year was Mitch Claydon and Alex Blake collected Fielder of the Year.

At the end of the night, a special presentation was made to wicket-keeper Geraint Jones for 15 years' distinguished service to Kent Cricket.

For the Kent Women's team, skipper Edwards led the side to the Royal London County Championship and the T20 Finals Day, rounded off the season by picking up the Canterbury Christ Church University batswoman and player of the year awards.

The opener was recognised after scoring 642 runs at an average of 71.33 and leading the side.

Edwards, 34, who has scored more than 4,000 runs for Kent, said: “It’s an honour to lead such a great group of players and thanks to all supporters for their votes.

“I’d like to thank Canterbury Christ Church University for their support of the Women’s Team and hope we can progress the game in Kent in the years ahead.”

Erin Bermingham was named Bowler of the Year and Lydia Greenway won Best Fielder.

Kent Women’s Cricket Team manager Lin Martin said: “To be part of the awards night demonstrates in a very public way what has been going on behind the scenes increasingly over the past few years.

“Women’s cricket is on the world map and Kent players are playing a major role in that.

“At Kent we are proud that the profile of the women's team is being raised season-on-season. Hopefully the evening has helped people familiarise themselves with the players and that they come to a game or two in 2015.”

Three men and seven women from Kent are on England duty this winter.

James Tredwell is in the England squad to tour Sri Lanka and Adam Riley and Sam Billings will join the England Performance Programme.

Kent's Tammy Beaumont, Charlotte Edwards, Natasha Farrant, Lydia Greenway and Laura Marsh are in the England Women's Performance Squad (EWPS) set to tour New Zealand in February 2015.

The 2015 fixture schedule and Kent Membership packages are set to be announced in November 2014.