Gary is England's best - par none

Friends of Cumbrian golfer Gary Lockerbie are celebrating after he was crowned England's best amateur.

Gary Lockerbie won the title during a tough final in Yorkshire

The 20-year-old, who is a member of Penrith Golf Club, took the title after beating his England elite squad colleague Michael Skelton, in a 36-hole final at Alwoodley Golf Club in Leeds.

Mr Lockerbie said: "If someone had told me at the start of the week I'd be English champion I wouldn't have believed them.

"This is a dream come true. I'll understand it more when it sinks in.

"But I've been pleased with the way I've played all week.

"I hit my irons solidly and I left the long putts close when I needed to. Hopefully, this will seal my place in the England team."

Friend Scott Thompson, who was with Mr Lockerbie in Leeds, said: "Everyone here is absolutely delighted for him.

"He's been a member of the golf club for years and works with me in the club shop.

"When we got back we had a late night barbeque and had several drinks."

Mr Lockerbie is a former England Under-18 stroke play champion and boy international.

He finished third in the Greek amateur championship in September 2002, helping England win the Nations Cup.

He has also finished high up ion several other events and played a major role in steering Cumbria to their first title in the Northern Counties League.