Kent have confirmed that England Under-19 batsman Sam Northeast will be playing full-time next summer.

The former Harrow schoolboy has been selected to tour South Africa next year, and could be pressing for a first team place following the departures of both Matthew Walker and Neil Dexter.

The county have also announced that three of the county’s most promising youngsters Charlie Hemphrey, Phil Edwards and Warren Lee have agreed development contracts for 2009, while Alex Blake has accepted a deal until the end of 2010.

Academy Director Phil Relf said: "Development contracts give young cricketers a unique opportunity to be part of the professional team and provides them with an excellent opportunity to prove that they have what it takes to make it into the first class game. I look forward to working with them next season."

Chairman of cricket Graham Johnson added: "We are obviously delighted that Sam has decided to play full time next season and also pleased that Alex Warren Lee and Charlie will also be able to play a full part in the cricket programme.

"The club is working hard to bring through 'home grown' cricketers."