EAST Lothian has been toasting success at a prestigious golf competition.

Gullane Golf Club member Fergus Brown won the overall scratch prize at the Alfred Dunhill Schools’ Challenge, while North Berwick High School pupil Louise Martin won the Junior Girls competition.

The annual event is open to school-aged boys and girls across Scotland.

Brown, 15, who goes to school in Stirlingshire, shot an impressive gross score of 72, one over par, on the Duke’s Course at St Andrews to take the top prize.

He said: “It was really great to take part in the Dunhill Schools Challenge – especially good playing alongside Andrew Hendry, one of my good friends whom I golf with at Gullane – and I’m delighted to have won the scratch prize.

“It would be great if golf could play a part in my future, but for now I’m just enjoying playing and competing in lots of different events.”

Meanwhile, 13-year-old Martin, an NBHS S2 pupil, won the Junior Girls competition.

The North Berwick and Gullane Golf Club member took the title with a net score of 72 playing off a handicap of 11.

The winners of this year’s Alfred Dunhill Schools Golf Challenge were invited to receive their prizes at the Old Course, St Andrews on the final day of this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

All participants were invited, together with their parents and a school representative, to attend an exclusive golf clinic on the Championship practice ground with the internationally renowned golf coach Robert Baker.

He said: “After the disappointment of not being able to hold this event last year, it’s great to see so many young people back competing in the Alfred Dunhill Schools Challenge.

“Over the past 20 years, we’ve been committed to encouraging young people from across Scotland to participate in competitive golf. Getting the right direction and coaching early enough in their career can really help young golfers develop their game and maximise their potential.”