CHARITIES will benefit after the Mayor of Bury's annual golf tournament proved to be a big hit.

The fund-raiser, held at Whitefield Golf Club, brought in around £2,100 for Councillor Paul Nesbit's chosen good causes of mental health and child welfare.

Unlike his predecessors, Coun Nesbit did play a round, alongside 68 competitors comprising Bury Council staff and the local authority's suppliers.

Event organiser Graham Atkinson thanked everyone who took part and supported the occasion through sponsorship.

"The tournament was a great financial success and after 13 years the enthusiasm for the event has not diminished," he said.

The winner's trophy was retained by last year's champion Keith Rodgers from Worcester Heat Systems, while company colleague Mark Glover took the runners-up spot.

The other prizes awarded were: Robin Tweedale of Biffa Waste Services (best outward nine); Jerry Brierley of Biffa Waste Services (best inward nine); Worcester Heat Systems (winning sponsor team); Paul Harrison (nearest the pin for the Dave Watt Memorial Trophy); and Mark Glover of Worcester Heat Systems (longest drive).

GROUND staff pulled out all the stops after vandals attacked the golf course, marking it with an obscene comment.

Workers repaired the damaged turf at the 7th hole just minutes before the arrival of the mayor.

Inspector David Jones of Whitefield Police said the matter was being treated as racially aggravated criminal damage.