A GOLF club is hosting a series of events to celebrate its 125-year anniversary.

Grange Park Golf Club on Prescot Road, which has a membership of more than 500, is acknowledging its latest milestone.

One of the oldest golf clubs in the area, Grange Park has a long and rich history and an established part of the community.

Opened in 1891 as The St Helens and District Golf Club, the original course covered land between the top of Scholes Lane, Lugsmore Lane, Prescot Road and from Eccleston Hill through the Grange Park School grounds with the first club room in a house in Lugsmore Lane.

It was a bunkerless nine-hole course and even included a 'Par 7' which stretched down to the Thatto Heath Dam.

In 1911 it was decided to establish Grange Park Golf Club and the course was soon enlarged to 18 holes and in June 1913, Open champions Ted Ray and Harry Vardon officially opened the new extension.

Following the First World War, the old course was relinquished and it moved across Prescot Road and in 1927 the current course was established on the land.

"It has been a symbolic part of the community for a long time and as well as golf there's a huge social life," said Alan Aspey, who is head of the 125 celebrations.

"We have big quiz nights and people come to watch the rugby. It's very much a rugby club as well with huge support for Saints and we run dances throughout the year. It's very much a social part of the community."

The club has even introduced a new Cadet membership for boys and girls between the ages of five and 10

to encourage interest with a fun element for the very young with coaching sessions on Sunday afternoons.

The anniversary celebrations have already started with club captain Bill Guest joining three former captains dressed in traditional golfing attire to kick off the occasion.

The club has produced enamel badges for members to mark the anniversary and from June 5 the club is hosting an open week featuring competitions.

And over the August bank holiday weekend there will be a a fun competition for teams of four, of any combination with prizes on offer, including nearest to the pin on the practise green and others.

There will also be a jazz band on the Sunday afternoon and disco.

For more information on the club visit www.grangeparkgolfclub.co.uk