VAL Howells was installed as Walton Hall Golf Club women's section's new captain at their drive in day on Saturday.

The retired senior local government officer has been playing the game for just under 10 years, and said it was 'a great honour' to take the position.

Debbie Barton won the Division One section of the event with a stableford score of 29 points, with Glynis Mather three points behind in second, while Marie Sims took the Division Two honours with 25 points, one point ahead of second-placed Chris Royle.

The women's section, who currently have around 40 members, are looking to boost their declining numbers by attracting more people to the scenic Higher Walton course.

Club member Diane Bravender said: "It's a municipal course and it's not as expensive as many courses, plus the ladies section have the course to themselves on Saturday mornings when we have tournaments, and also on Thursday evenings for a practice session.

"There's a brilliant atmosphere, and we have members who are in their early twenties up to people in their seventies.

"It's not just people in their older years as some might think - I'm 39 and love playing golf, and if you're single it can be a good way of making friends."