THE man behind one of Herefordshire's biggest business success stories has taken the helm of a county golf club.

Mark Ellis, co-founder of Leominster-based online retailer M and M Direct, officially became the new owner of Burghill Valley Golf Club on Monday when the Hitchings family ended their time there after four and a half years.

Mr Ellis, who also runs property and development businesses, said he plans to ensure the continued success of the already well-established club along with his wife Elaine.

He said: "The process started last November when talks began with the Hitchings family. Realising that they wanted to move on, it gave me the opportunity to buy a leisure business which I had an interest in – both locally and from a sporting point of view as well.

"It’s very much business as usual but we are hoping to build on the continuing success of the club.

"It’s a new challenge and experience and a different business. There’s a great atmosphere in the club with the members and an excellent team of staff here too who have built the business and been here for many years."

The club has been owned by Clive Hitchings for around four and a half years now while his son, Nick, has managed it.

Nick Hitchings told the Hereford Times this week he will be sad to leave but is glad the club is in safe hands.

He said: "I have really enjoyed working with all the staff and thank them for their hard work.

"We have also enjoyed getting to know lots of the members and made some good friends over the time we have been here and we plan to keep in touch and come and play some golf."

He said the approach by Mr Ellis, who lives in Burghill, came at around the same time he was looking at going back into sports coaching.

"Things will carry on as normal and there will be little change for members and for staff so it's good to know its in safe hands with Mark already having successful businesses and being local," he added.

"It's a friendly club and it’s a good course plus there’s the social side of things too like the food which brings people back time after time.

"People can relax and enjoy the surroundings and its away from the traditional stuffy atmosphere."