CHARITY golfers addressed the ball and fundraising in equal measure helping an annual event crack the £200,000 barrier.

Twenty four teams of four teed off at Blackwell Golf Club, Darlington, for the 17th annual golf day in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice, organised by North-East based home care provider Heritage Healthcare.

The charity rounds and presentation evening raised £15,000 bringing to £210,000 the amount raised for the hospice, which serves the people of Darlington, South West Durham and North Yorkshire.

Overall winners were Stockton-based charted surveyors Robertson Simpson Ltd.

Head of building consultancy Paul Tully said: “This is the third time that Robertson Simpson Ltd has taken part but the first time that we have won.

“St Teresa’s Hospice is a fantastic charity to support and this event is always so well organised by Heritage Healthcare.”

Heritage Healthcare director Sally Pickersgill, who organises the day, said: “The annual golf day is a great way for the community to rally round St Teresa’s Hospice, which does such an incredible job for people with life-threatening illnesses and their families.”

St Teresa’s chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “This has been another wonderful day. St Teresa’s Hospice is a community charity, owned by the people of Darlington and District, and we can only continue to do what we do with the continued help and support from local people.”