CELEBRATIONS got under way at Ambleside United this week as the bubbly flowed to mark becoming the new first division champions of the Talbot Insurance Westmorland League.

League secretary Ron Wilkinson presented the trophy to the club at their ground on Tuesday evening.

At the 11th hour of a thrilling title contest, Ambleside had dramatically displaced County at the top of the league table by virtue of superior goal difference.

But it meant they could only wait and watch to see if County could wrest back top spot from them in the final match of the campaign at Wetheriggs United.

A draw would have been enough to deny Ambleside, but after a long and arduous season it was a step too far for County, who went 3-0 down, missed a penalty and ended up 4-1 losers.

By taking the title, Ambleside were breaking a stanglehold exerted by Kendal County and Wetheriggs United that has lasted for ten years - with one or the other lifting the cup during that period.

The only other top-flight championship for Ambleside came back in the 1989/90 season and Ambleside have had to fight their way back into Division 1 to reach the top again.

Only promoted from Division 2 last season, Ambleside's feat in winning the Division 1 blue riband is a major achievement.

The squad under joint managership of Steve Edmondson and Matthew Bland finished in irrepressible form, winning 14 of their last 15 games, scoring 104 goals in all.

Zach Clark emerged as the league's top scorer with 15 goals and team-mate Jamie Parkinson was close on his heels with 14.

Manager Matthew Bland said: "It's been a pleasure to manage such a talented and hard-working squad of players. The commitment and attitude has been outstanding. If we can keep the squad strong and add a couple of players in the summer we will hopefully challenge for the title again next season."

It has been a memorable season all-round for the Ambleside club, with the Reserves also winning the Division 3 title under the managership of Ian Clark and Graham Routledge.

There was some consolation for Kendal County, whose Reserves side collected the Mason and Freeman Cup, the Division 2 Knockout, after they won a nail-biting final 5-4 on penalties at Burneside after there was no score in normal and extra time.

n The annual meeting of the league takes place on Thursday, June 12 and applications from any clubs wishing to enter a new side should be received by the secretary no less than 14 days before the meeting.

n For final Westmorland League tables, see results box on page 21.