A SPORTING challenge looks set to help tourism in a seaside borough.

The invitation has been issued by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which wants to find its own open golf champion.

Entries for a tournament to find a champion have been received from as far afield as Melton Mowbray, Harrogate, York and Catterick.

Coun Dave Fitzpatrick, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism said: "This will be a good boost for our tourism and sports activities and the price of £12 a round also represents really good value."

The winner will receive a specially-commissioned trophy at Cleveland Golf Club, Redcar, on Thursday, July 14, at the end of the 72-hole event - a round a day around the borough.

The competition starts at Wilton Golf Club, then takes the golfers to Hunley Hall Golf Club at Brotton. This is followed by Saltburn Golf Club.

There will be voucher prizes for the top player at the end of each day, then the prize for the overall winner is a trophy and a golfing weekend break for two.

Entry fees at each course are being offered at the special rate of £12.

Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 30, but organisers are ready to accept on-day entries.

The Redcar and Cleveland Golf Week is being promoted in conjunction with Hartlepool Council, through the Coastal Arc initiative, with doubles events played at Hartlepool Golf Club on Thursday, July 14, and Seaton Carew Golf Club on Friday, July 15.