A Wirral MP is looking forward to the Open golf Championship's return to Hoylake next year.

Margaret Greenwood spoke during parliamentary debate which considered the contribution of this year's Open to culture and sport in the UK.

She described the tournament - returning to Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake next year - as "arguably the biggest and best golf event in the world".

This year's Open – the 150th – is currently taking place at St Andrews in Scotland.

Margaret Greenwood spoke in a parliamentary debate this week which considered the contribution of this year's Open to culture and sport in the UK.

The Wirral West MP highlighted how, when the tournament was last held in Hoylake in 2014, it delivered an economic benefit of £76.3 million across the Wirral Council area and to the wider economy of the North-West.

Margaret Greenwood also had praise for Wirral businesses – particularly the restaurants, hotels, guest houses, pubs and shops of Hoylake and West Kirby – for providing a warm welcome to visitors from around the world.

The last time the Open was played at Hoylake in 2014 saw Rory McIlroy lift the famous Claret Jug. Tiger

Woods was victorious in 2006 when the Open came back to Hoylake for the first time since 1967 when Roberto De Vincenzo won.

Speaking after the debate, Margaret Greenwood MP said: "The Open is a major international sporting event and arguably the biggest and best golf event in the world.

"The Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake is currently one of only a handful of courses in the UK which gets to host this world-class event.

"Every time it returns to Hoylake, millions of people around the world watch it on TV and are treated to not only first-class golf, but also stunning views of Hoylake, West Kirby and Hilbre Island. It’s a great advertisement for Wirral West.

"Local people and businesses – from hotels, guest houses and pubs to shops and restaurants – really get into the Open spirit and provide a warm welcome to both UK and international visitors.

"The Open makes a major contribution to the local economy too.

"The last time it was held in Hoylake it delivered an economic benefit of more than £76million to Wirral and the North-West.

"I know that organisers and local businesses will be working hard to make sure that next year's Open in Hoylake will be as successful as the last time it was hosted at Royal Liverpool."