Durham have signed Sean Dickson from Kent on a two-year deal. Having turned down a contract extension offered by Kent, he will move initially on loan for the 2020 season, and be available to play for Durham in both red- and white-ball formats.

Dickson, a South Africa-born opener who has an English passport, joined Kent in 2015 and was part of the team that won promotion from Division Two of the Championship in 2018. He scored 3257 first-class runs at an average of 35.40 for the county, with a best of 318 coming against Northamptonshire at Beckenham in 2017.

That innings was the highest score by a Kent batsman at a home venue, but he averaged 28.40 in the Championship the following summer and 26.52 last season, and he did not feature in the first team after August.

"We're delighted that Sean has signed for Durham and we have been able to secure the signature of a proven performer in English cricket," Durham's director of cricket, Marcus North, said.

"Sean's record in first-class cricket is exceptional, with a track record of scoring big hundreds and a reputation as one of the best fielders in the country, he will bring additional experience and quality to the Durham squad. We look forward to welcoming Sean to the North East and seeing him make a big impact at Emirates Riverside."

Durham have also announced that James Weighell and Ben Whitehead will leave the club when their contracts expire. Weighell, 26, made 15 first-class appearances for the club, taking 7 for 32 as Durham won after following on against Leciestershire in 2018, but was troubled by inuries. Legspinner Whitehead played six T20s during the 2018 Vitality Blast.

"We would like to wish both James and Ben the very best for their future careers and thank them for their commitment to Durham Cricket," North said.