A CHARITY golf day organised by police has raised thousands of pounds to help premature and newborn babies.

This year's Northumbria Police Pro-Am Charity Golf Tournament at Hexham Golf Club raised £10,500 for Tiny Lives.

Based at the RVI in Newcastle, the charity helps provide specialist training for staff, funds research projects and buys equipment to give babies the best chance of recovery.

Each year 600 ill or premature newborn babies are admitted.

Pro-Am committee chairman Assistant Chief Constable David Warcup said: "Once again the generosity of people in the North-East has shone through. Everyone who played had a great day's golfing and dug deep to boost the amount raised for this very worthwhile cause."

Andrea Atkinson, from Tiny Lives, said: "I would like to thank Northumbria Police for choosing to support Tiny Lives and everyone who participated in the tournament and who gave very generously to help support this vital service."

The tournament is now in its 18th year and has raised more than £300,000 for good causes.