Record crowds put Sefton in the spotlight as hundreds of thousands of fans attended the 146th Golf Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Organisers of The Open, the R&A, have said crowds at Royal Birkdale reached 235,000, which is the highest figure ever for an Open held outside of St Andrews, Scotland.

This week’s mark is the third highest ever, falling shy of the St Andrews Opens of 2000 (239,000) and 2015 (237,000).

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:

“What a week and what an endorsement for our wonderful borough!

“Years of preparation went into hosting the Championship and yet again we didn’t fail in helping to deliver a superb event.

“Record crowds attended the Championship and this will have a knock on effect with businesses right across the borough reaping the rewards.

“We are used to hosting global sporting events like the Aintree Grand National and with the golf taking place in Southport, it really puts Sefton in the worldwide shop window.

“With the Summer of Golf taking place in Southport town centre and the amazing Hole in One art structure at The Atkinson, we and our many partners really got behind the golf to make it so successful. It tied in perfectly well with the Year of Sefton’s Coast highlighting everything we have on offer in the borough.

“We want people who arrived in our borough to leave with fond memories and to come back again and tell their friends just how great Sefton is!

“Hotels were full, bars and restaurants were booming, shops and businesses were doing a roaring trade and residents across Sefton really got behind the Championship. We really let the world know we are open for business.

“Thanks to everyone who supported the Championship and we hope the R&A bring this amazing spectacle back to Sefton as soon as possible.”