KENT CCC bosses are to launch their own online cricket equipment store, it has been announced.

The county has decided not to renew the lease of the Equipment 4U store at St Lawrence.

A limited range will be available from December via Kent’s website www.kentccc.com after which the county hope to offer a wider range by expanding their club shop, The Eleventh Wicket.

Kent’s commercial director Jon Fordham said: “I anticipate we will hold a comprehensive range of equipment including major brands like Kookaburra, Woodworm, Puma, Gray-Nicolls and Gunn & Moore.

“In addition, we may well retail a limited range of footwear to cover those sports taking advantage of the newly refurbished Kent Cricket Academy and the floodlit all-weather pitch which will be in use later this month.

“Our retail operation has gone from strength to strength and has exceeded all expectations, so we see this as the next stage in the continuing evolution of our retail activities.”