GARY TOTTMAN, a 29-year-old taxi driver, is the new Kent Messenger Sunshine Challenge golf champion.

Tottman, who plays off a five handicap at Canterbury Golf Club, is the 13th winner of the prestigious title.

He lifted the crown when he beat 10-handicap Wrotham Heath member David Jenner 6&4 in the matchplay event final.

He beat 2002 winner Craig Hughes (h3, Deangate Ridge) 3&2 in his semi-final and carried on his good form to beat Jenner in the afternoon at Canterbury.

Tottman, whose father Dave won the event in 1992, will now represent the Kent Messenger Group against other regional newspaper winners in the national final in Portugal next month.