GOLFERS helped to raise more than £2,000 for a hospice.

About 160 players took part in the event organised by Ian Phillips, last year's captain of Seaton Carew Golf Club.

Players paid a fee to play, with the money going to the Hartlepool and District Hospice fund.

Local companies also supported the fundraisers by donating prizes.

Mr Phillips said: "The fundraising golf days are very popular events on our calendar and they're very well supported.

"The idea is to have a fun competition and raise as much money as we can for worthy causes."

Tina Holroyd, from the hospice, said donations like the golf club's were vital to provide quality care for patients with terminal illness.

The hospice's running costs amount to £2m a year. Hartlepool and Easington Primary Care Trusts together provide 30 per cent with the rest coming from the eight hospice shops, legacies, grants, the hospice lottery, gift aid tax and donations.