THE fifth year of the John Lowe/Frank Worthington Celebrity Golf Classic at Bromgrove Golf Centre looks set to have raised around £10,000 for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre.

The event attracted a field of 25 four-player teams who had to negotiate the testing Bromsgrove course as well as cope with a brisk breeze, although the sun shining throughout the competition was some compensation.

As well as being backed by darts champion John Lowe and former England footballer Frank Worthington, a host of other celebrities ensured the day did literally go with a swing.

Others taking part were comedian Stan Stennett; Geoff Turton, lead singer with the Rockin' Berries; former Worcestershire pace bowler Neale Radford; leading snooker player Nigel Bond and a number of other well known sporting names.

John Lowe is currently the oldest professional player in World Darts, and at the age of 55 he was recently runner-up in the American Open in Las Vegas.

The main sponsors of the event were once again Bromsgrove-based Miles Industries, and it was rather appropriate that one of their four teams picked up the first prize -- the Advertiser/Messenger Trophy -- with 81 points.

That team, Miles Industries I, consisted of Don Bonus, Matt Gilday, Sam Round, and Mike Parry.

Runners-up were IT Net with 79, whose line up included Malcolm Page, the former Birmingham City and Wales footballer, as their celebrity, while the Red Lion public house team from Bromsgrove was just one point away in third spot. Their team included BBC Radio West Midlands presenter Paul Franks, as well as pub landlord, Richard Scott.

The Pat Latchford Memorial Trophy, dedicated to the late wife of former Birmingham City, Everton and England footballer Bob Latchford, went to John Bennett, representing Miles Industries. He had the best nett score by a celebrity. The trophy is sponsored by Spa Car Sales of Bromsgrove.

A keen golfer, Pat herself had played in many charity events, but she sadly died in March of last year after a three year battle against cancer.

Two other prizes on the day were for nearest the pin on the seventh and ninth holes, won respectively by Dave Green (Compusys) and Paul Good (IT Net).

Tournament organiser Des Blee said it had been another exceptionally successful day.

"We get wonderful support from a variety of sources which makes all the hard work worthwhile. Everyone had an enjoyable day on the course, topped off with a splendid night's entertainment at Bromsgrove's Hanover International Hotel, when the trophies were presented."

He added: "At this stage it looks as if we will have raised around £10,000, with the figures still to be finalised. And the overwhelming feeling from the day was-- roll on next year."