Golfer Anna Smith home and dry

Home was where the heart was for new Shropshire ladies golf champion Anna Smith.

The 26-year-old battled through gusty conditions, 20 rivals and a gruelling six rounds of golf in three days to come out on top at her home course of Ludlow.

It was a fine achievement from Smith who was making only her second ever appearance in the Championship after reaching the semi-finals in 2009.

And the biggest moment of her eight-year golfing career was achieved when the six-handicapper birdied the second play-off hole, courtesy of a 15 foot putt, after her final with Worfield's Helen White had finished all square.

It was hard not to have sympathy for White who was suffering her third final defeat, but Smith was elated with her achievements.

"I'm not sure it has sunk in yet," said the champion, who followed up qualifying rounds of 82 and 87 with four matchplay victories to seal the crown.

"There was a bit more pressure playing at my home club but my only aim was to get to the semi-finals and still be involved on the Saturday morning.

"Anything else on top of that was going to be a bonus so I was really chuffed to win it."

Read more in the Shropshire Star