LTC golf event pulls in £5,000

As the nights draw in, one group of people have been clinging on to the last remnants of summer - those battling it out to be named the champion of the Licensed Trade Charity's Annual Golf Tournament.

This year's tournament saw more than 300 players competing in seven regional heats across the country with at least 50 people attending last week's final at Longcliffe Golf Course in Loughborough, Leicestershire. The competition was sponsored by Castle Brands and the Morning Advertiser.

With two categories to play for - singles and teams - the contest was tougher than ever, especially with £500 up for grabs for anyone who could get a hole in one. Unfortunately no contestants made the grade, but competition was still fierce.

Andy Hall, a customer at the Yorkshire's Lofthouse Gate Working Men's Club, qualified in Ossett, West Yorkshire, and was crowned singles champion after a particularly close round with the youngest entrant, 16-year-old Sean Watt, a construction student from Wooburn Green, Bucks.

Sean gave Andy a real run for his money, with only one point between them at the end of the competition.

Andy was also one of four players who went on to win the team competition along with his brother Graham, Vince Johnson and Chris Parker.

Back at the 19th hole, Andy said, "It's been a fantastic day. We've been taking part in this competition for the last three years, so it's great to finally win something!"

Licensed Trade Charity Trustee and golf tournament organiser Ray Batty said: "We raised over £5,000 from entry fees, raffles and some very well-deserved fines on the green! A big thank you to Castle Brands and the MA for their support."