DOZENS of golfers have teed off to help raise thousands of pounds for a charity which helps families affected by autism.

Sixty keen golfers, who spend most of their time in business and industry, attended Daisy Chain’s charity golf day earlier this month and raised over £7,000 for the charity.

The competition, held at Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, near Darlington, was won by a team consisting of Hillerby Developments Ltd and Roseberry Newhouse estate agents.

With a score of 101 points, they won a four ball donated by Wilton Golf Club and goody bags donated by UBS who also fielded a team.

Second place was Goldsmiths Jewellers with 98 points with AGS taking third place with 89 points.

HSBC, Brewin Dolphin, UBS financial services and Finance First were among the other companies taking part.

David Hillerby, of Managing Director of Hillerby Developments Ltd, also won Nearest the Pin and the Longest Drive was scooped by Paul Dutton of HSBC.

Daisy Chain was set up in 2003 to support families affected by autism in the Tees Valley and to provide a haven for them to visit.

Based in Norton, the charity supports over 2,000 families providing respite, activities, social clubs, advice and guidance.

Set on a 5.5-acre site, Daisy Chain offers a specialist day centre with soft play, sensory rooms and learning spaces as well as sensory gardens and a popular farm, home to sheep, goats, ponies, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs and more.

For more information about the charity, call 01642 531248.