Kent opener Joe Denly has been named Most Promising Young Cricketer of the Year by The Cricket Society.

The talented 22-year-old beat off a host of rivals to claim the coveted prize, which was presented by former Kent and England legend Derek Underwood.

Denly has already been named in the PCA Team-of-the-Year during a successful 2008 campaign.

He said: “Things went well for me throughout the season and it was an honour to earn both awards.

"By earning these accolades, it shows that I must be doing something right. I am still only a young cricketer but I feel I’m steadily improving.

"2008 went well for me – hopefully 2009 will be even better for both me personally and for Kent as a side.”