A LONG list of volunteers have been rewarded for giving golf a boost in the region.

Durham Golf has paid a special tribute to those who have done so much to help grow the sport in the area.

The Durham County Golf Partnership’s second Development Awards evening – held at Durham County Cricket Club’s ground in Chester-le-Street – presented 13 prizes to helpers of all ages and backgrounds.

Winners: Young Volunteer of the Year: Jordan Pout (Durham County Golf Partnership); Volunteer Coach of the Year: Dominic Salmon (Bishop Auckland GC); Club Development Volunteer of the Year: Anita Maxwell/Pat Usher (Woodham GC); County Development Volunteer of the Year: Ken Joel (Durham County Golf Union); Services to Golf: George Crawford (Durham CGU/Durham County Junior Golf Society/Durham CGP); Services to Golf: Anthea Rowntree (Bishop Auckland GC); Golf Mark Club of the Year: South Moor Golf Club; Get into Golf Project of the Year: Oakleaf Golf Club; Get into Golf Centre of the Year: Sunderland Golf Centre; Golf Roots Project of the Year: Sharpley Golf Club; County Academy Performance Player of the Year: Marc Cameron (Beamish Park GC); County Academy Development Player of the Year: Lewis Reay (Ramside Hall GC)/Ellen Robson (Billingham GC).

SUNDERLAND Football Club are inviting golfers to get involved in their annual golf day at Rockliffe Hall.

Held on Wednesday, April 22, head coach Gus Poyet will join guests at the Black Cats' popular VIP day.

Guests will be welcomed with breakfast rolls served in The Clubhouse from 10.30am, with welcome packs and buggies available from 9am. Each team will be joined by a current club star, a club legend or a member of the club’s backroom staff.

The day is priced at £1000 (+VAT) for a team of four, including all the course fees, breakfast, drinks reception and dinner. Book on 0871 9111555 or email hospitality@safc.com. For more information about club events please visit www.thestadiumoflight.com