WINDERMERE Golf Club announced the appointment of new chairman Steve Bell and club captain Cliff Heath.

Kendal-based Bell, who worked for HSBC across South Lakeland and North Lancashire until 2013, said he was excited about the prospect of building on the club's success.

He said: "“I’m very much looking forward to my new role as Chairman and am hoping that the skills I have developed in a service industry will be an asset to the club.

“Like all golf clubs across the country, Windermere faces challenging times ahead.

"In the coming year, we need to focus on maintaining competitive green fees, retain members and recruit new ones.

"Upholding our traditions and values whilst embracing a modern approach will be key.”

Former club chairman Heath served as Cumbrian county captain from 2005 and led them to victory in 2009 at both the Northern Counties Strokeplay and Matchplay championships for the first time in 99 years.

In 2011, he was elected the county golf president and managed a Lancashire acrylics company with a £187m turnover and more than 2000 employees during the latter stage of his career.

He said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of Club Captain for 2016, a position that is a great privilege to hold.

“I’m also extremely pleased to be passing the Chairman baton to Steve and am sure that under his steady hand, the club will continue to flourish.”