Hampshire have awarded all-rounder Sean Ervine with a Benefit Year in 2016.

Ervine is one of the most decorated players in the county's history having won three Lord's finals (2005, 2009, 2012), two T20 titles (2010, 2012) and last year's division two Championship since arriving from Zimbabwe a decade ago.

The 32-year old has scored almost 13,000 runs and taken more than 350 wickets.

Ervine said: “It's a huge honour to be awarded a benefit by Hampshire in 2016. Arriving back in March 2005 with not much knowledge of county cricket, it never crossed my mind I'd ever get to have one.

"I may not have come up through the age group ranks but I've made some great friendships along the way and having been here since I was 22 - I've thoroughly enjoyed every moment I've experienced both on and off the field.”

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “Sean has been an outstanding contributor to Hampshire Cricket over the past 11 seasons and has established himself as a first team regular in all forms of cricket.

“He has been a major influence in our successful one day and t20 campaigns leading from the front in his first year with Hampshire in the C & G Final against Warwickshire, where his fine century helped secure both a victory and the man of the match award.

"He has also been a regular contributor with both bat and ball in the long form of the game and is a huge favourite amongst our members and supporters.

"I am delighted that the Hampshire Cricket Members' Club have nominated him for a Benefit Year in 2016 and equally happy that the Club has granted this.

“I'm sure all friends of Hampshire will be delighted to support this most deserving benefit and we all wish Sean, Rachel, Scarlett and Ellis a most enjoyable and rewarding year."

Ervine continued: “When you play for a club like Hampshire you feel part of a family away from your family, it's a winning culture and we've been lucky enough to enjoy a lot of successful periods where we've won trophies.

“This club has always had huge potential, and I'm proud to have been part of the successes of the last 11 seasons, long may it continue.

"I'm extremely excited about next year, it’s going to come with many challenges which I'm looking forward to and I'm grateful for the support and backing of the club and the fans."

Ervine’s commitment and dedication towards the club’s official charity, Hampshire Cricket in the Community, earned him the 2015 Capital FM Clubman of the Year Award.