MARK Young clinched his third Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit title in four years – on the day he helped Lancashire to victory in the English County Finals.

The 28-year-old took the crown after his nearest challenger, Hillside’s Richie Blundell, failed to win the Pendle Witch at Clitheroe on Sunday.

With an unassailable 255-point lead over Blundell, Young adds to the order of merit titles he picked up in 2007 and 2008.

Clitheroe’s Mark Ashworth took advantage of local knowledge on his home course to win the Pendle Witch.

The former county player, who won the Revidge Cannon at Blackburn earlier this season, finished four shots clear of nearest challenger, Blackburn’s Steven McGlynn.

Young must now decide whether to play in the final Order of Merit event this Sunday, the re-arranged Trafalgar Trophy at Nelson.

l Accrington teenager Nikki Foster is among five England internationals included in the 2011 Great Britain & Ireland squad.

They are included in a 16-strong squad which will form the basis of the 2011 GB & I teams which will compete for the Astor and Vagliano Trophies next summer.