A LOCAL golf club brought back from the brink of closure and an exciting new sports village at the heart of an industrial town are just two of the projects that have put Lancashire in the running for a national award.

The Red Rose county has won the County of the Year category of the England Golf Awards, at a glittering gala evening at Lord’s cricket ground.

Lancashire’s success in reaching the final group – alongside Warwickshire – has been built on a united campaign of support for the county’s golf facilities involving the Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs, Lancashire County Ladies' Golf Association, the Professional Golfers' Association and the Golf Foundation.

They have worked under the umbrella of an England Golf county development group, delivering a wide range of activities to encourage new players into the sport, while also helping clubs retain existing members and build robust business plans for the future.

Support for the nomination came from a variety of sources, including Fairfield Golf and Sailing Club.

Carole Phillips, secretary at the club in Kings Road, Audenshaw, said: “Fairfield Golf and Sailing Club is one of the oldest established golf clubs in the Manchester area, dating back to 1892.

“Recently threatened with closure because of plans for industrial redevelopment, a long, expensive legal battle ensued – including two public inquiries and trips to the High Court. That is now behind us.

“The invaluable help, advice and support of England Golf’s development officers has been vital in helping our club make the necessary changes and introduce the new ideas and processes needed to ensure we are equipped to tackle today’s modern golfing environment and take a more commercial approach.”

A Three Man All Fives Stableford at Stamford was won at a canter by Terry Seward, Colin Burke and Tom Moody with 82 points from Paul Traynor, Chris Exton and Brian Thomas (78) and Dave Boote, Mike Hamer and Martyn Taylor (77).

The penultimate week of the Stamford Winter League saw Chris Exton take advantage of leader Kevin Barber not playing by winning the day and taking over the yellow jersey.

It sets up a dramatic finale with Exton, Dave Barber and new contender Dave Burns all battling for the coveted top spot.

Plenty of action at Denton saw a Wednesday Stableford being won by Paul Griffin after a card play-off on 35 points with N Brookes and D Watson next in with 33.

A Four Man Team Stableford needed a card play-off on 111 points to take T Taylor, M Hart, A Jameson and M Alexander home from N Roberts, Ian and Paul Welsby and Brian Waterfall.

In a Sunday Stableford it also needed a count-back on 36 points to see TM Alexander home from J Mulhearn with J Manion a point off the pace.

Denton ladies played a 10-hole Stableford and serial winner Linda Leung posted 24 points, two more than Sue Thompson.