THREE brothers from Darwen were reunited on a golf course for the first time in years when the ELGA Seniors Championship took place at Rossendale GC.

Ian, Colin and Eddie Oates all started their golfing careers at Darwen several decades ago.

But when Ian moved over to Canada to pursue a career in medicine it prevented the brothers from playing together.

He flew back to the area last week.

The trio rolled back the years by entering the ELGA Seniors.

And it was worth his trip as Ian took the honours with a best gross of 78.

"We all still play pretty regularly but none of us really bother in the winter any more," said Eddie.

"There's never any rivalry between us. We just enjoy each other's company.

"And it is great for us all to be able to get together again."

ELGA Seniors scores: Ian Oates (78-3-75), Colin Oates (84-8-76), Eddie Oates (80-6-74).

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