Ryan Riley, from Eastgate Farm, Longnewton has won the Durham County Junior Golf Championship following his victory against 64 competitors in a 36-hole competition at South Shields Golf Club.

After scoring a par 71 in the first round, the 17-year-old dropped back on the second round but came with a charge on the last nine holes taking just 30 strokes to card a 73 and win the Championship.

It was a nostalgic trophy presentation for at least one person present at the event as Ryan was congratulated by Robert Webster, who won the trophy himself in 1961 before going on to join the professional ranks and play in the European Seniors Tour.

Ryan only took up golf four years ago after picking up an injury playing rugby - his original first love. Since then he hasn't looked back and golf is his all-consuming passion. He is now being coached by England and Durham County golf coach John Harrison.

Ryan wants to turn pro at 18 but currently lacks any kind of sponsorship. His main ambition is to play for England but before then, there is the small matter of the Faldo Junior Series at Slaley Hall to compete for in May plus the televised Sir Henry Copper Junior Masters Golf Championship in June.

During the latest cold and wet snap, practice has proved a problem so an indoor putting green has been set up for him in the rafters of an outbuilding at his home on Eastgate Farm in Longnewton.