THE European Senior Tour will have two North-East golfers competing on the circuit this year after a dramatic final day at Qualifying School.

Eaglescliffe Golf Club pro Graeme Bell and Matfen Hall’s John Harrison have both earned full cards after finishing in one of the coveted top six spots following four days on the Pestana Golf Resort in Portugal.

Canadian Ken Tarling won the event by finishing a solid four rounds with a 70, which left him on six under, seven shots ahead of the chasing pack.

Bell, from Hartlepool, and Harrison, a former Barnard Castle member, ended up tied for second on one over alongside Tim Elliott, Gary Marks and Roger Sabarros.

While Bell, who was flying after three impressive rounds, almost had a disaster on the final day with a 75, Harrison ended up claiming runner-up spot because of his lowest final round total of 68; six years after winning Q-School.

Hartlepool's European Tour pro Graeme Storm, meanwhile, has started the Malaysian Open with an opening round five-over par.

Bell and Harrison’s reactions to clinching places will be featured in next week’s Fraser from the Fairway golf column.