Bell-Drummond has been at Kent since under-10 level

Kent have given England Under-19 international Daniel Bell-Drummond his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old batsman, who joined the county at under-10 level, has signed a three-year deal.

Kent coach Paul Farbrace told the club's website: "He is without doubt one of the most talented young players in the country."

Bell-Drummond said: "I'm very happy and really shocked. I view this contract as just the beginning."

He made his England under-19 debut earlier this year, scoring an unbeaten 88 against Sri Lanka.

Farbrace added: "He is yet another great example and role model for young cricketers across the county. We have all been excited by his potential for many years, and he really is a product of the Kent youth development system."

Chief executive Jamie Clifford said: "I have seen him progress from our under-10s to a professional contract and he has worked very hard.

"It is so pleasing to see players emerge from our development programmes and speaks volumes for the excellent structures we have in place."

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