Mark Collins became the first Kent golfer in 24 years to win the English Men’s County Champion of Champions Tournament when he took the title at Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire on Sunday.

The 19-year-old Chart Hills member, who lives in Rolvenden Layne and works with his father in the family commercial printing business in Tenterden, carded a four-under-par 69 in the second round on his way to a five-under par score of 141.

He finished two strokes ahead of Durham champion Richard Aisbitt and Martin Young from Hampshire. Aisbitt claimed the runners-up spot on countback.

It was Kent Amateur champion Collins’ second major win of the season following his victory in the Tillman Trophy at East Sussex National, a tournament won by Ernie Els 26 years ago.

Bob Sloman was the last Kent player to win the County Champion of Champions title, when he shared it with Lincolnshire’s Paul Streeter in 1990.

“This win means all the hard work I’ve put in has paid off and hopefully will lead to bigger things,” said Collins.

Collins hit four birdies to add to 14 pars in his second round.

He said: “I didn’t make any mistakes in the afternoon. I didn’t drop a shot and just kept the ball on the fairways. It was my first time at Woodhall Spa, which was a challenging course."