Rob Key has stepped down as Kent County Cricket Club captain.

Key is one of the club’s longest serving captains, having succeeded David Fulton at the end of the 2005 season.

During his seven years at the helm, Key led Kent to victory in the Twenty20 Cup in 2007. They also reached the t20 final the following year when they were also beaten finalists in the Friends Provident Trophy.

He will be replaced by long-serving player James Tredwell.

Chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: "This is a time to acknowledge two players who have come through the Kent system to play at the highest level.

"In Rob Key, we have to pay tribute to the longest-serving Kent captain in the professional era. His contribution has been immense.

"James Tredwell takes over in leading our team at an exciting time in the club's history and has all the right attributes and experience to build on the efforts so far and to take us to the next level.

"Both typify all that is best about Kent Cricket."