A CHARITY golf day has an all-star line-up which organisers hope will help them break fundraising records.

The Darlington Charity Cup Annual Golf Day will return in September with a string of sportsmen hoping to lift this year’s trophy.

The fundraiser is a key event in the charity’s diary and this year will welcome former Sunderland players Kevin Ball and Simon Ramsden and ex-Newcastle players Peter Cartwright, Alan Shoulder and Steve Howey.

The charity has secured a dozen professional sportsmen to lead teams of four through 18 holes of golf on Friday, September 13.

All profits from the day will go to the Darlington Charity Cup, a non-profit charity which has donated more than £10,000 to children with chronic and life-limiting illnesses.

Previous youngsters to benefit from the charity include Kyran Richmond, from Chilton who was diagnosed with Juvenile Batten Disease age seven, Mason Campion from Hunwick, in Bishop Auckland, who died after a four-year battle with cancer in 2016 aged six and Freya Aither, from Newton Aycliffe, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in when she was five.

This year’s golf trophy is named after Freya, who is now eight-years-old.

Committee member Ben Smith said: “We look forward to the golf day all year and this one is looking like it’s going to be the best yet.

“We would love to see the community really get behind us and support the event and help us raise as much as we can for a good cause.”

The event will take place at Woodham Golf and Country Club in Newton Aycliffe with a pie and peas supper and an auction.

Craig Murray, also on the committee, added: “The auction is very popular and we all enjoy a few social drinks at the end of the day.

“This year we have sponsored holes and it’s a fabulous opportunity for local businesses to get some exposure whilst also supporting a local cause.

“We’re looking for sponsors for 18 individual holes for the entire day but would also consider one big sponsor for them all.”

For information regarding sponsorship contact The Northern Echo on 01388-660667 or email stacey-lee.christon@nne.co.uk