PETER Trego will be leaving Somerset at the end of the 2019 season, after the club decided not to renew the 38-year-old's contract.

The all-rounder from Weston-super-Mare signed a one-year contract to play white-ball cricket only, and helped Somerset win the Royal London One-Day Cup at Lord's in May this year.

However, he has not appeared for the county since July 28, when Sussex won a Vitality T20 Blast clash by 13 runs in Taunton.

He has been playing Minor Counties cricket for Devon this summer, as well as for his home town of Weston in the West of England Premier League.

Trego first appeared in Somerset's 2nd XI at the age of 16, and made his senior debut in a 40-over Sunday League match at Bath in June 2000.

He left in 2002, but returned four years later after spells with Middlesex and Kent.

Trego has gone on the become the club's second highest run scorer in T20 cricket (3,273 runs), as well as taking 50 wickets in the format.

He is also third in Somerset's all-time list of century makers in List A cricket, having reached three figures on 10 occasions.

Trego told the club website: "I understand the Club’s desire to give younger players an opportunity, and while I’m no longer going to be a Somerset player, I will always be a Somerset fan.

"It’s been a long and fantastic journey. I’ve got so many wonderful memories, but that final one-day game at Lord’s has to stand out.

"Walking around the ground with the trophy and long-standing team-mates such as Hildy [James Hildreth] was the icing on the cake of what’s been a great time in my life.

"The positive memories that we’ve all shared together will stay with me forever.

"I’m not just talking about the players either. The support staff and everyone involved with the club have been a big part of my life over the years.

"I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime and hopefully I won’t ever be short of a golf partner!

"The members and supporters have been incredible, and I can’t thank them enough for the cheer they’ve given me every time I’ve walked out to bat.

"That will always be incredibly special to me."

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “I’ve known Pete for a long time, and he will be remembered as one of Somerset’s great characters.

"He lived to play for the club, and there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he is Somerset through and through.

"This was never more evident than during our successful run in this year’s Royal London One-Day Cup, in which he played a major role.

"There are so many great memories of his contributions to the club over the years, and one I will never forget is his 54-ball century against Yorkshire to help us chase down 476 to win the Championship match at Taunton in 2009.

"This year we have seen the emergence of several young players and this has meant that Pete’s opportunities in the 1st XI have been limited.

"He obviously wants to be playing 1st XI cricket, which is not something that we can guarantee him here at the moment, and therefore we feel that it is in both the club’s and Pete’s best interests for him to consider other opportunities.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Pete for his whole-hearted commitment to the club during his time with us, and everyone associated with the club wishes him the very best for the future."

The end of this season will represent a real changing of the guard at Somerset, with Trego departing and long-standing team-mate Marcus Trescothick retiring.