DURHAM'S Keaton Jennings has picked up the first of two Player of the Year awards at the Cricket Writers' Club's annual Lunch at London's Merchant Taylors' Hall.

The country's leading run scorer became the fifth recipient of the County Championship award, presented in association with William Hill.

The 24-year-old opener scored 1,548 runs at an average of 64.5 with seven hundreds, including two doubles.

Jennings is certain to be named Durham's Player of the Year at their awards dinner tomorrow night.

Northamptonshire's Ben Duckett capped a season that saw him gain selection for both England's Test and One-Day squads by being named Young Player of the Year.

In July he struck 220 not out off 131 balls, including 29 fours and six sixes for England Lions in a one-day game against Sri Lanka A.

Charlotte Edwards won the inaugural CWC women's award. She began the year as England captain and led her country to the final of the World T20 in India and finished as the tournament’s second highest scorer.

After her ten-year reign as captain was ended she retired from international cricket after more than 300 senior games for England.