Rub shoulders with golfing greats at The De Vere Northumberland Seniors Classic.

The region's biggest seniors championship golf tournament is returning to De Vere Slaley Hall later this month and we've teamed up with the European Seniors Tour and De Vere Slaley Hall to offer one The Northern Echo reader a unique prize to caddie at this international tournament.

The winner of this competition will have the opportunity to be part of the championship tournament, taking place on June 24, 25 and 26, seeing first hand how the professionals play and rub shoulders with some of the leading lights of the European Seniors Tour.

The De Vere Northumberland Seniors Classic pulls in thousands of spectators from around the country to witness some of the world's most experienced golfers compete to lift the coveted crystal trophy and claim the £150,000 prize fund.

Household names such as victorious Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance - making his inaugural appearance in this year's event - will be joined by Europe's number one for the last two successive seasons, Carl Mason, who will be embarking on a personal quest to win a third Order of Merit title after winning record prize money of £245,285 last year.

Also participating will be Mark James, another former Ryder Cup captain and first timer to the De Vere Northumberland Seniors Classic; former European Tour great Eamonn Darcy, and Bill Longmuir. They join the many professionals competing against defending tournament champion, Malcolm Gregson in a bid to lift the trophy and claim the prize fund.

To enter this competition please answer the question below and send in your entry with your contact details, age and a summary of your golf experience to:

Golf Caddie Competition, Sports Desk, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL1 1NF.

Question: In golf terms what is a birdie?

Closing date: Noon, Friday, June 17, 2005

Terms and conditions:

Competition entrants must be aged 18 years or older.

The winner of this competition must be knowledgeable in the game of golf and have an understanding of the etiquette of golf.

They must also be physically fit and able to walk round a golf course carrying a bag of clubs or pulling a trolley for up to six hours per day from Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th June.

l Runner up tickets will be given to the first five correct entries drawn and the editor's decision is final.