Newbury.net has been serving the town’s online community since 1997, and the site has become a firm favourite with all walks of life in and around the town, and as far away as the USA and New Zealand.

Website editor Brian Burgess said: “I am delighted that Donnington Grove has recognized our service to the community. We’ve been around for a long time, and have had some great fun with the forum, as well as keeping residents up to date with what’s really happening in town.”

The extra funding will allow new sections of the website to be developed in the coming months, and further tie-ins will be announced shortly.

The Donnington Grove Estate is set in a delightful and secluded position on the outskirts of Newbury and is overlooked by the historic Donnington Castle. It runs to 550 acres and is a mixture of parkland, farmland and woodland, with the River Lambourn running through it. The house on the estate was built between 1763 and 1772 in a style known as Strawberry Hill Gothic.

In November 1991 work began on building a championship golf course and the conversion of the house into a hotel. The course architect was Dave Thomas, the Ryder Cup player, who has been responsible for several well known courses, including the Brabazon at the Belfry and Bowood in Wiltshire. Donnington Grove Country Club opened in June 1993.