YORK'S Jack Leaning will leave Yorkshire to join Specsavers County Championship division one rivals Kent at the end of the season.

The right-hander will link up with his new team-mates at Canterbury on October 1, bringing to an end a 15-year association with the White Rose.

Leaning, capped on August 13, 2016 at Scarborough, has played 68 first-class matches for Yorkshire, scoring 2,955 at an average 30.46, including four hundreds and 16 half-centuries.

A product of Heworth and York cricket clubs, he played age-group cricket for Yorkshire up to under-17s before debuting for the Academy side in 2010. He made his White Rose debut against Warwickshire at Scarborough in 2012.

He told yorkshireccc.com: "I'm really excited by the prospect.

"I think it's at the right stage of my career to have a little bit of a change, and hopefully it all works out to be a positive one.

"It's a big move lifestyle-wise, and that did cross my mind at first. But since then, all that's come back to my mind is excitement as opposed to any nerves.

"For me, that's one of the reasons I chose Kent. It was a feel thing and a gut instinct. It felt like the right fit for me having spoken to the club.

"I'm really looking forward it.

"I leave Yorkshire with nothing but fond memories. I'll be giving it my all towards the end of the season, and there's still two bits of silverware on offer if things go well for us.

"It's my childhood club - I've been here since I was 10-years-old. It will be a change, obviously, but I'm really excited."

The 25-year-old has also amassed 914 runs in 48 career T20 appearances so far, averaging 28.56, and with a strike rate of 131.89.

On signing for Kent, Leaning said: “I’m really excited to be joining Kent at a time when the county seems to be moving in the right direction, with first division cricket almost assured for next season and a very competitive white ball squad. It will be a new challenge which I am looking forward to.”

Yorkhire director of cricket Martyn Moxon said: “He’s been a great model professional during his time here and has been part of two Championship-winning teams.

“He’s had a good career, but hasn’t played regular first-team cricket. At this moment in time, the opportunity to play first-team cricket is exactly what he needs.

“We thank him for representing us with pride and wish him every success in the future. He has contributed well to Yorkshire County Cricket Club over the years.

“At this stage in his career second XI cricket is no good for him and a move to another county, who can guarantee him first-team cricket, is the right thing all round for his future.”