A SOUTH BRADFORD member is hoping to compete in Portugal as part of the Lombard Trophy Grand Final after qualifying for a regional final at Moortown.

Arthur England, a former fireman, joined the Odsal-based golf club when he retired at the age of 52 and will now play for a spot in the final of one of the country's most popular amateur events just six years later.

England, 58, will be paired alongside South Bradford's professional Paul Cooke as the two look to earn a place in the Lombard Trophy Grand Final, which is being held at the Algarve's Villa Sol resort from September 21-22.

The regional qualifying round takes place at Moortown tomorrow and England is excited by the opportunity to play in Portugal.

He said: "South Bradford is the first club I’ve ever been at. I wanted to get myself a proper handicap and play in a few more competitions.

"Once I’d qualified for the Lombard Trophy, I came down two shots. I’ve just bought into the whole thing and really enjoyed my golf.

“I’ve heard a lot about Moortown too so I’m looking forward to playing a course like that for that alone.”

As well as Cooke, England will be joined by a string of other local amateurs all competing for a spot in the final.

Robert Cromack, 29, from Bramley, will represent Calverley while Shipley's challenger is Ian Lovett, 48, a sales contracts manager from Bingley.

West Bradford will hope Andy Armitage, a vending engineer from Yeadon, is good enough to make it to the final, and Ian Kennedy, from Branshaw, is also competing.