Five-handicapper Smith, 40, from Littlestone Golf Colub, scored a two-round gross total of 159 - 15 over par - to take the title, one shot ahead of 19-year-old four-handicapper Alasdair Berry, from Scotland.

There were three category winners at the event: William West, 63, from Breadshall Priory GC, in Derbyshire - who plays off 12 - was the victor in category 1 for handicaps of 0-13.4; 50-year-old Gareth Williams, from Woodlakes Park, Cwmbran, won category 2 for handicaps 13.5-20.4; and Paul Cunningham, 33, of Thames Ditton & Esher GC, was victorious in category 3, for golfers with handicaps above 20.4.

In total, 72 disabled athletes - with ages ranging from 16-71- competed for the title over two days on the 7,138-yard, Robert E Cupp-designed East course, some flying in from as far afield as South Africa, Pakistan, Spain, Ireland and Germany to line up against UK entries.

The event was delivered through the Accentuate programme, set up as part of region’s drive to create a cultural shift in the way disabled people are perceived by celebrating excellence and showcasing talent, in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.


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